Board approves FY27 budget timeline and guidelines, protecting class-size ratios

The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 board voted to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget timeline and guidelines during its Nov. 10 meeting, formalizing dates and expectations for administrators and cost-center committees.

Mr. Veek, who presented the timeline, said the district will develop enrollment projections by Dec. 1, meet with budget preparers Dec. 3, ask cost-center teams to submit a Level 3 (100% of prior-year program) package by Dec. 23 and require all budgets to be submitted by Feb. 27. The district plans a preliminary budget by March 11, a work session for the board and administrators later in March, a public hearing in April (the board’s regular April 13 meeting was identified), tentative approval on April 27 and final approval at the annual July meeting.

Veek emphasized that committees should align requests to the district mission and priorities, maintain class-size ratios as the last item to cut and prepare program-impact narratives for any requested expansions. He also described a process of preparing '98%' and '99%' scenarios and a prioritization step intended to keep spending within the district’s five-year plan.

A board member moved to adopt the timeline and guidelines; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Veek said the budget process will involve roughly 19 cost-center committees and about 150 participants and that community members can express interest in participation through the business office or the district's Let’s Talk portal.

The approval sets administrative deadlines and guidance only; specific budget allocations will follow in subsequent meetings according to the adopted schedule.