Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Pauley presented the district's FY26 update on Dec. 1, saying the Salem Public Schools' total general fund appropriation is $78,000,000 and that personnel costs are on track to be over budget if current trends continue.

Key numbers: Pauley reported that roughly 72% of personnel funds were still available at the time of the report but projected a personnel deficit of about $700,000 if spending continues through June as currently projected. The district identified several contributors: lane changes and salary adjustments, new positions tied to enrollment shifts (e.g., 1:1 paraprofessional needs), staff hired at higher rates (about $300,000), and PSRP schedule changes that could add roughly $155,000 for arrival/dismissal coverage.

Subs and transportation pressure: Pauley noted daily-substitute and long-term substitute budgets ($250,000 and $90,000 respectively) were under pressure, in part because the district had higher use of retired teachers and more long-term leaves. A major non'personnel concern is special-education transportation: six additional wheelchair vans and monitors added roughly $56,000 per month and are projected to put that line about $400,000 over budget this year.

Transfers approved: The committee considered and approved transfers that move funds to stipend lines and contractual services: safety/staff stipends, multilingual student tutors at Salem High, stipends requested by Bentley, and a music department transfer to pay a piano accompanist as a vendor. Member Campbell moved to approve the transfers; Member Cornell seconded and the roll call vote was unanimous.

Committee response: Members asked for follow-up detail on the composition of leaves driving substitute costs and on the types of grants (Title I and others) that may shift salary charging between grant and general funds. Pauley said the district will continue monitoring spending, consider a budget pause or freeze if necessary, and explore grant recharges as a balancing strategy.

Ending: The committee approved the transfers and asked staff to bring further breakdowns of leaves and grant shifts to a future finance subcommittee meeting.