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Little Rock School District adopts FY2026 budget with narrow surplus; vacancies under review
Summary
On Sept. 25 the Little Rock School District Board approved the district's fiscal year 2026 budget. Officials said the operating budget shows a small surplus but remains tight, with roughly $3M in budgeted vacancies and additional pressures from health‑care and debt‑service increases.
The Little Rock School District Board of Education approved the district’s fiscal year 2026 budget at its Sept. 25 meeting after a presentation by district finance staff. Administrators described a modest net operating surplus and a set of continuing financial pressures, including a projected rise in benefit costs and timing uncertainty related to bond proceeds.
Chief financial staff explained local property valuations rose modestly (projected ~3.42% increase) and the district expects slightly higher local revenue. State foundation funding was budgeted based on the three‑quarter ADM calculation and federal grant totals were presented separately. Administrators noted the district’s operating fund balance is positive but small: “we're in the black, but barely,” said the finance presenter, highlighting that roughly $3 million of budgeted positions remain vacant and are being reviewed as part of the budget process.
Board members asked for more school‑level and program‑level detail to help evaluate consolidation opportunities and the effect of shifting enrollment patterns. Administration officials said they would provide further enrollment and staffing reports after the October 1 data cycle and continue to evaluate vacant positions before final personnel decisions.
On a motion and second, the board adopted the FY2026 budget. Members emphasized continued monitoring of enrollment, grant awards (including pending state tutoring funds) and vacancy reductions to maintain fiscal health throughout the year.
