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District finance review: $3.64 million in federal supports, possible $403,000 shortfall if some federal funds are withheld
Summary
Finance staff told the board the district used $3,638,475 in federal funds this year and warned that a $400,000 shortfall could follow if certain federal allocations are not dispersed by the state.
Siloam Springs School District staff presented a year-end finance review that summarized federal and local funding, major expenditure categories and a potential federal shortfall that would affect staffing.
The district reported $3,638,475 in federal funds spent this year to supplement classroom instruction and related services. The largest federal awards cited were about $1,000,000 for Title I programs (reading interventionists, ESL teachers and instructional coaches), roughly $912,000 for IDEA-related special-education funding, and roughly $493,000 in Medicaid reimbursements supporting health and therapy services. The presenter said Medicaid reimbursements vary year to year depending on services billed.
Finance staff warned that some federal allocationsTitle II, Title III and Title IVare still under review at the state level and might not be dispersed this year. "If that does not happen, we do not get those funds. That's $400,000 for our district," the presenter said, noting the money mostly covers staff salaries and benefits. The district described the situation as "a wait-and-see moment" and said it has communicated with the state about the timing and importance of those allocations.
The presentation also summarized district revenues and spending. The district reported about $23.6 million in local property-tax revenue and about $26.7 million in state funding; a small federal amount ($4,400) was listed for a parcel inside a national forest. Total revenues cited were about $58.8 million. Salaries and benefits were the largest expense at $36,007,875 (about $26.4 million for certified staff and about $9.4 million for classified staff). The district said it spent roughly $12 million on operational expenses including $3.265 million for bond principal and interest, $1.6 million on repairs and equipment, and approximately $1.14 million in utilities (noting one month of bills was still outstanding).
Other categorical funds identified in the presentation included alternative-learning funding ($395,411), English-language-learner funding (about $361,608), enhanced-student-achievement funding tied to free-and-reduced-lunch (about $1.4 million), and professional-development funding ($168,500). Child-nutrition programs and a summer meal service were also highlighted.
The board approved the financial report presented.
Board members asked clarifying questions about Medicaid reimbursements and about an on-site community clinic (which the presenter said is operated by a community partner; the district supplies space and a liaison). Administrators said they would continue monitoring the federal funding decisions and return with updates if needed.
