Rochester district unveils $953M preliminary 2025-26 budget; board urged to preserve fund balance amid federal uncertainty

The Rochester City School District presented a preliminary draft budget for 2025-26 on Feb. 27, proposing total revenue and appropriations near $953 million and laying out budget assumptions, program priorities and projected cost pressures.

Acting Chief Financial Officer Derek Blair reviewed the unaudited financial reports through Jan. 31, 2025, saying the district reported a total ending cash balance of $424,000,000 for the period and explaining expected revenue and appropriation drivers for the coming fiscal year.

What was proposed: The administration presented a draft general-fund revenue estimate of roughly $790.7 million and a draft total budget of about $953 million. Key assumptions included an increase of about $41 million in Foundation Aid in the governor's executive budget, a projected $21.5 million increase in employee benefit costs, and continued charter-school tuition and…