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Board approves revised FY26 budget after debate over late documents and transparency
Summary
Faribault Public Schools approved a revised FY26 budget 6–1 after staff presented updated ADM counts and compensatory revenue; directors raised concerns about receiving large budget packets at short notice and requested more granular, program-level budget details.
The Faribault Public Schools board approved a revised fiscal year 2026 budget at its Nov. 24 meeting by a 6'to'1 vote after a detailed presentation from finance staff and questions from board members.
Finance director Ms. Raesler and Superintendent Bente said the revision reflects updated October 1 average daily membership (ADM) of 3,086 and an unexpected compensatory revenue increase of roughly $400,000, which together raised projected revenues and led staff to revise staffing and expenditure estimates. "Because of those 29 students then, we see an increase of roughly $330,000," Raesler said, and she explained other categorical adjustments and a projected FY26 unassigned fund balance of about 10.84% under the revised plan.
Director Moore objected to the timing and level of detail of materials, saying he received about 135 pages of budget documents just before the meeting and requested a more detailed managerial budget listing programs, positions and salaries. "I don't feel I had enough time," Moore said. Raesler said the revised packet was a summary of changes (not the full adopted budget) and that the finance team would provide additional breakdowns on request; she also estimated the district manages about 42 active grants totaling roughly $4'to'5 million.
Director Wolf pointed out a calculation anomaly in a multi-year projection; Raesler acknowledged the error and pledged to correct that slide and return it to the board.
Motion to approve the revised FY26 budget was moved and seconded; the motion passed 6'to'1.
