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Mat‑Su School District projects roughly $22 million shortfall; board outlines $3.2M local ask and potential cuts
Summary
The Mat‑Su School District told a joint meeting of borough and school board officials that a preliminary budget projects about a $22 million gap for fiscal 2027 and identified a $3.2 million increase tied to the state's required local contribution; officials warned of program and transportation reductions if funding is not found.
Kathy Cohen, president of the Mat‑Su School Board, and Katie Gardner, the district’s deputy superintendent for business and operations, told a joint session with the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough assembly on March 9 that the district’s preliminary budget projects a deficit of about $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
"Our budget at this stage, at this preliminary stage, projects a deficit of about $22,000,000," Gardner said during a shortened presentation. She said the figure is a starting point based on known revenue assumptions and no assumed expenditure reductions.
Gardner and Superintendent Randy Trainee said the shortfall stems from two main pressures: rising personnel costs and reduced state revenue tied to enrollment declines and an increase in the state's required local contribution. Gardner said state…
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