Superintendent: Q2 report shows balanced budget and $99 million projected ending fund balance, but state and federal uncertainty remains

Superintendent Castaneda told the Salem-Keizer School District board the district remains on track to a balanced budget after the cuts made last year and that the quarter 2 forecast shows an anticipated ending fund balance of about $99 million.

"We are actually spending the amount of money that we're getting," Superintendent Castaneda said, summarizing Q1 and Q2 revenue and expense lines. She described the district's difference between "budgeted expenses" and "forecast expense," and explained that vacancy savings from unfilled positions contribute to the district's fiscal picture.

Castaneda gave several numbers and risks: the district employs roughly 5,800 people and expects vacancy savings from unfilled positions; the governor's recommended budget could translate into roughly $80 million in new revenue for the district if enacted as proposed; the district also…