MCCSC says two-year fiscal plan is making progress but warns SEA 1 could cut millions through 2031
Summary
At its November meeting, MCCSC trustees received a quarterly update showing progress toward a two-year fiscal balance plan while Chief Financial Officer Erwin warned that "SEA 1" could reduce projected revenue by roughly $30 million from 2026–2031 and create multi-year pressure on operations and referenda revenue.
Chief Financial Officer Erwin told the Monroe County Community Sch Corp board on the district's November meeting that the corporation has made measurable progress nine months into a 24-month fiscal strategy but is not yet balanced.
Erwin said actual revenue and expenditures through Oct. 31 have been folded into updated projections, and he cited the certified October student count (as stated in the presentation) and recent one-time bond proceeds as critical inputs. "We're making progress," Erwin said during his presentation, adding that the district continues to rely on one-time funds in the near term while pursuing structural expense reductions and revenue strategies.
Why it matters: Erwin presented a projection the district summarized as an estimated cumulative shortfall of more than $30,000,000 over 2026–2031 tied in part to state legislation referred to in the presentation as "SEA 1." The presentation noted a possible $2,000,000 annual hit to operations beginning in 2026 and additional operations-sharing requirements with charter schools phased in by 2028, adding roughly $1,800,000 per year by 2031 under the presenters' projection.
Board context and steps: Dr. Winston framed the update as part of the board's two priorities — achieving financial balance and sustaining instructional excellence — and said the administration will continue to pursue cost efficiencies, align staffing to enrollment and revenue, and provide greater transparency. The district announced a financial portal planned to launch in January that will publish school finance information and a referenda impact report to help the public follow how dollars are spent.
What was requested or directed: The presentation laid out seven items used to update projections (actuals through Oct. 31; certified student counts; updated expense projections; labor and benefits assumptions; SEA 1 effects; expense layering and flatline assumptions after 2026; and the impact of taxable GO bond proceeds). Erwin described the bond receipts as one-time funds that can reimburse operations for past capital and provide runway while longer-term adjustments proceed.
Quotes and clarifications: "The estimated cumulative total over 26 through '31 is over $30,000,000 of less revenue than what we were expecting prior to the legislation," Erwin said, characterizing the figure as a projection based on current assumptions. Dr. Winston emphasized transparency, saying the district will continue to "educate and inform" the community and that sustaining excellence remains central: "Our focus is on every dollar, every student, every day."
Next steps: Administration will continue monthly budgeting reviews, layer in expected staffing and benefits effects tied to collective bargaining outcomes, and publish a one-year report at the board's February meeting. The district noted that legislative action during the short session could change the projected impacts of SEA 1.
