The finance committee, which operates as a committee of the whole, reported that the Act 1 index for the 2026–27 school year is 3.5% and reminded the board that a formal vote on whether the district will stay within that limit is scheduled for Dec. 1.

Committee members reviewed the district's budget timeline: staff aim to have a preliminary budget approved by April 20 and the final budget completed on or before June 30, 2026 (the transcript notes the district is currently slated to approve the final budget by June 1, 2026). The committee is beginning to drill down on staffing, PEARS (personnel) and health benefits as it moves from big‑picture planning toward specifics.

No formal action was taken at the work session; board members were notified of the timeline and next committee meeting on Feb. 18, 2026, for additional budget work.