Marshall Public Schools approves 2025–26 general fund amendment as enrollment drops
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Summary
The board approved a general fund budget amendment reflecting enrollment declines and state retirement changes; finance staff said ESSER federal funds ended and MPSERS adjustments reduced flexibility, but fund balance remains above the state minimum.
The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 9 approved a 2025–26 general fund budget amendment after a presentation from district finance staff.
The amendment reflects an updated beginning balance from audited 2024–25 results, a drop in federal ESSER funding that ended Sept. 30, 2024, and an enrollment decline from the original budgeted count. Finance staff reported fall count enrollment of 2,523 students — about 70 fewer than the budgeted 2,566 — including 30 students who moved out of state and another 10 who enrolled in online programs. The board voted to approve the amendment by voice vote.
Kendra, the district finance presenter, highlighted revenue and expenditure drivers: federal ESSER funds have ceased, several state revenue categories changed after the state budget finalized in October, and MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System) cost changes materially affected payroll-related expenses. Kendra said some revenue items are one‑time or uncertain beyond this year.
Board discussion emphasized the impact of legacy retirement costs and enrollment decline on district finances. One trustee said the timing and structure of the state budget “has been wholly terrible for Marshall Public Schools,” and several trustees praised the finance team for maintaining a fund balance above safe minimums. The presenter noted the amendment projects a fund balance of about 13%, above the 5% state minimum and roughly in line with statewide averages.
The amendment included expenditure updates such as finalized salary and benefit amounts after negotiations, added special education staffing, adjusted third‑party contracts for custodial and grounds, higher utility costs and equipment purchases tied to specific grants. Board members asked for follow‑up details and a copy of the slideshow presentation.
Next steps: the amendment is adopted and staff will provide any requested supplemental calculations to trustees. The board moved on to vote on separate capital purchases following the budget action.