Springfield Public Schools presents FY26 budget plan emphasizing staffing, reserves and uncertain state aid

Springfield Public Schools staff delivered a final FY2025–26 budget presentation that lays out proposed revenue increases, staffing investments and a conservative approach to uncertain state aid. Cara Thaisel, the district’s budget lead, told the board the recommendation will be on the agenda for a formal vote at the June 24 meeting.

Thaisel said the district is counting on a projected $4.5 million increase in local tax revenue and included a not-yet-guaranteed $2.5 million increase in state formula aid in the draft. She warned, however, that state-level shifts — including provisions of Senate Bill 727 that move the state aid calculation toward 90% average daily attendance and 10% weighted membership — create uncertainty that the board should plan around.

“To be cautious, we built the budget assuming…