TESD finance committee reports $2.8 million projected shortfall for 2025–26; revenues exceed $140 million

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Finance Committee Chair Dr. Roberta Hatinsky reported Nov. 24 that total revenue for the district exceeds $140,300,000, with local revenues $4.5 million higher than the prior year.

Hatinsky said general-fund expenditures and encumbrances at the end of October totaled $155,526,881. The committee presented an initial projection for the 2025–26 general fund showing a $2,800,000 shortfall when accounting for a planned $6,000,000 transfer to the capital fund. Business Manager Mr. McDonald presented detailed financials showing 101.4% of budgeted revenues collected and 95.3% of budgeted expenses expended for the prior fiscal year; the committee also authorized placing financial reports on the next meeting consent agenda.

Special-education expenditures and contracted services were flagged as areas likely to exceed budget this year, with extended-school-year tuition about $24,000 over budget to date, the committee said. Hatinsky also summarized modest increases in state funding: roughly $103,000 for basic education, $30,000 for special education and a $50,000 increase in the Ready-to-Learn block grant.

The board’s audit remains incomplete and will be presented with the annual comprehensive financial report at the Dec. 15 meeting. Mr. McDonald will return in December with the preliminary 2026–27 budget and bond-advisers will be asked to present a revised borrowing strategy ahead of future capital planning.