HCPS reports preliminary FY25 results, unveils draft 2026–27 calendar for public comment

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Deborah Judd presented preliminary (unaudited) FY25 financial results: the district reported revenues at 100.3% of budget (about $1.8 million over budget) and expenditures at roughly 99% of budget. Judd said the district used $30 million in fund balance in FY25 for recurring costs, ended the year with an $8 million surplus and had approximately $22.5 million in unassigned fund balance available for future consideration.

Why it matters: The results frame board discussions about FY27 budget planning and one-time uses of fund balance. Judd noted that auditors are still completing work and that numbers are unaudited.

On the calendar, Manager of Communications Jillian Later presented a draft 2026–27 school calendar developed by the calendar committee. Key changes include a new "teacher planning" day (goldenrod on the district chart), five professional-development days for returning teachers, two PD days for new hires, a start date set as the first Tuesday after Labor Day, and additional early-dismissal days tied to quarter-ends and parent-teacher conferences. The draft will be posted for 60 days of public comment and returned to the board for a Dec. 15 vote.

Board members asked for clarifications about the differences between professional-development and planning days, the rationale for the post–Labor Day start (including impacts on AP test timing), Veterans Day scheduling and the visual presentation of calendar colors; staff answered and said committee deliberations and public comment will guide any changes.

What happens next: Audited financials will be shared when available; the calendar will be open to public comment for 60 days with a board vote expected Dec. 15.