Richland 2 CFO reports stable midyear finances; stakeholders prioritize teacher pay, behavior supports

Nancy Williams, Richland 2’s senior chief financial officer, presented the second-quarter financial report for the period ending Dec. 31, 2025, and summarized results of the district’s budget survey.

Williams said the district had received $55,040,118 (27.6%) of anticipated local revenue and $81,214,706 (49.6%) of anticipated state revenue; including transfers, the district had received approximately 36.5% of its anticipated revenue at the end of the second quarter. She reported total general-fund expenditures through the quarter were about 41% of budget and that the fund balance represented 23% of the general fund (about 2.7 months of expenditures). Williams noted higher-than-expected spending in utilities and maintenance and that reading coaches’ allocations were 84% expended at midyear.

On the budget survey, Williams said students prioritized high-quality teachers, expanded career and enrichment opportunities, improved facilities and timely transportation. Families who responded emphasized instructional quality, college-and-career readiness and continued mental-health supports. Employees — two-thirds of whom were classroom teachers among respondents — prioritized competitive compensation, stronger behavioral supports and safe learning environments.

Board members commended Williams for the report and asked for additional specifics where appropriate. Trustees noted that while some spending categories were ahead of pace, the district’s strong fund balance and investment income were strengths; they also discussed the risk posed by utility cost increases and enrollment-linked funding.

Williams said staff would continue to monitor expenditures and return to the board if adjustments were needed later in the fiscal year and that additional stakeholder responses and public input sessions will be included in budget notes ahead of March public meetings.