PPS budget workshop: CFO reports $11.5M 2024 deficit, warns of 2027 fund balance risk

Pittsburgh Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Ron Joseph presented the first of three required budget workshops to the Business & Finance Committee on April 7, 2025, reporting that the district closed fiscal 2024 with an $11.5 million deficit and that, without changes, the district's unassigned fund balance is projected to run out during 2027.

Joseph led the committee through unaudited 2024 general-fund actuals, state and federal funding outlooks and next steps in the budget process. "We ended the year at an $11,500,000 deficit," he said, noting that the result was an improvement from prior projections but still reduced reserves.

Why it matters: The district's finances determine its ability to operate schools day-to-day and to preserve programs. Joseph said revenues have grown but expenditures have grown faster; the district's fund balance declined as a result, and the board must consider cost reductions, potential revenue options and policy guardrails for the 2026 budget process.

Key fiscal findings

- 2024 result and trend: Joseph reported a $11.5 million deficit for 2024, down from a projection near $30 million,…