Finance director reports tighter year-end projections; special-education reimbursements and unanticipated costs reduce available funds

Director of Finance Mr. Butwell told the board the district’s year-end financial picture has narrowed after updated projections for salary, benefits and special-education reimbursements.

Butwell said a recent review produced updated projections for long-term and daily substitute coverage and that work on special-education reimbursements shows the district is now projecting reimbursements to be "about a hundred and $65,000 lower than originally expected." He also reported approximately $80,000 in unanticipated special-education expenses related to tuition and services that are not included in that month’s projection and will need to be absorbed within the remaining budget.

The director said the district has been closing purchase orders where further spending is not anticipated and that targeted purchases approved by the superintendent have focused on safety and security, curriculum and instruction, and technology. He said officials have not yet received updated state guidance on excess-cost contributions for special education.

Board members asked questions about a high utility line item at Woodside Intermediate. Butwell and other administrators said they were reviewing summer electricity usage and cooling-equipment repairs; facilities staff have been examining Eversource usage data for possible causes. The meeting record notes Woodside’s summer bills were substantially higher last year, and staff are continuing to investigate.

The finance presentation closed with administrators reminding the board that year-end accounting remains an active process that will change as outstanding obligations and encumbrances are finalized.