Pamela Watkins, presenting the September 2025 financial statement, told the board Nov. 12 that fiscal year 2025 closed with a general fund balance of $98,900,000, representing roughly 3.86 months of reserves. She said the district’s true discretionary local fund balance was $77,300,000 (about a three‑month reserve) and noted the state requires a minimum one‑month fund balance.

"At the close of the fiscal year 2025, the district's general fund balance was at $98,900,000 which represented about 3.86 months in reserves," Watkins said. She credited the district’s improved reserve position and conservative budgeting with earning a three‑notch increase in its credit rating from S&P.

Watkins highlighted factors that contributed to the upgrade: revenue growth, expenditure controls, conservative budgeting, and maintained reserves. At the same time she warned that enrollment declines — which reduce state funding tied to student counts — and the sunset clause on a local ad valorem tax in 2028 could materially reduce local revenues and create future budget gaps.

The finance committee later reported on other concerns, including the number of vacant and surplus properties that carry upkeep costs and potential vandalism, and recommended a more regular rhythm of budget reviews, quarterly monitoring and consideration of a general fund balance maximum policy. Trustees also discussed the need for more direct department‑level budget meetings so board members can engage earlier in the budgeting process.

Board votes earlier in the meeting finalized several personnel items and the consent agenda; financial materials and the committee’s recommendations will inform upcoming budget work and the board’s strategic priority setting.