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Ann Arbor school board adopts first FY26 general‑fund amendment after audit and updated state aid
Summary
The board approved the first FY26 general‑fund budget amendment after auditors confirmed a fund balance slightly better than projections; staff presented revenue decreases (roughly $314M→$307M) and an amended expenditure plan (~$311M) with projected ending fund balance near 5.7%.
Trustees approved the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ first general‑fund budget amendment for fiscal year 2026 after finance staff reviewed updated enrollment and state‑aid figures and a recently released audit.
Chief financial staff reported that audited results showed the district’s fund balance was about $3.6 million better than anticipated, but that updated calculations project revenue decreasing from about $314 million in the original budget to roughly $307 million and amended expenditures around $311 million. The presentation projected the district’s ending fund balance to be approximately 5.7 percent, compared with a board policy target of 8 percent.
Board members asked detailed questions about a roughly $7.1 million decrease in Act 18 (Washtenaw ISD) special‑education allocations. Finance staff explained that the allocation is a trailing calculation based on prior‑year special‑education expense levels across Washtenaw County districts; if APS spent less and other districts spent more, APS’s allocation percentage can fall. Staff also noted federal grant allocations remain fluid and that compensatory services and other trailing costs complicate precise forecasting.
Superintendent Parks noted the district was recently released from the Michigan Department of Treasury’s early‑warning financial‑distress reporting after the state cited improved fiscal practices and stability. After discussion, the board adopted the amendment by roll‑call vote.
