Sparta Area School District faces roughly $2.3M gap; board discusses 2026 referendum and spreads facility borrowing to reduce interest costs

District administrators told the board committee they expect an operating deficit of about $2,300,000 for fiscal 2026‑27 and opened a high‑level discussion about pursuing a possible operating referendum in 2026.

Mister Russ presented the district's budget picture and timeline: the current $750,000 operating referendum lapses at the end of its second year, creating pressure for 2026‑27 planning. "We're looking at a $2,300,000 deficit," he said. He described available fund balance stabilization of roughly $1,100,000 and noted that if that balance were used the remaining shortfall would be about $1,200,000. Russ emphasized statutory deadlines for referendum timing and teacher…