Greendale projects $769,000 preliminary deficit for 2025–26 under current assumptions

District business staff presented early budget assumptions and a Baird forecasting model for 2025–26. "We show total projection of expenditures of $38,629,006.69 for expenses, and that's versus revenues ... $38,059,015.00," Mr. Mitchell said, summing to a projected deficit of roughly $769,007.54 under current assumptions.

Why it matters: the projection influences staffing, programming and any potential referendum discussions. Administration listed key baseline assumptions: a three‑year enrollment average of about 2,331 students, a projected 4% decrease in general state aid (about $859,000), no ESSER or ongoing DPI mental health grant revenue assumed, and conservative inflation and bargaining cost estimates.

What administration presented: Mr. Mitchell outlined expense assumptions including 4% for teacher salary adjustments, 2.5% for other staff, a 5% projected increase in health/dental and utilities, and transportation increases matching current contracts. He also said the model included $2.5 million of nonrecurring operational referendum funds in the projection.

Alternative scenario: administration showed a scenario where adding $415–$430 per pupil and a 60% special education reimbursement would raise revenues to $38,273,008.45 and produce a $1.25 million surplus for 2025–26, a change that would largely depend on state action and WASB advocacy.

Board questions: members asked whether Act 20 reading curriculum reimbursement should be counted; administration said DPI finance guidance advised not to build that expectation into the preliminary budget due to timing and legal uncertainty. Administration reassured the board that a balanced preliminary budget would be produced before required approvals later in the budget cycle.

Ending: administration emphasized these are early projections and said staff will return with further scenarios and adjustments as the bargaining and state budget picture clarifies.