Penn‑Harris‑Madison board unanimously adopts 2026 budget, capital plan and bus replacement schedule

The Penn‑Harris‑Madison Board of School Trustees voted 7‑0 on Sept. 8 to adopt the district’s 2026 budgets for the education, operations and debt service funds and approve the associated 2026–28 capital improvement plan and 2026–30 bus replacement schedule.

Chief Financial Officer Zach Wyatt, who presented the final legal step in the budget process, told the board the district followed earlier public steps in July and August and recommended adoption. "This is the last step in our budget process," Wyatt said, and the administration "respectfully recommends the adoption of the 2026 budgets." The board moved and approved the recommendation without amendment.

Board members asked several budget questions during discussion, seeking clarity on contingency levels, transfers between funds and enrollment trends. One member noted that the education fund is scheduled to transfer $9,000,000 to the operations fund under the new state fund structure and asked whether that creates limits for flexibility. Wyatt replied the district now reports that roughly 68–69% of education‑fund dollars go directly to teachers in the classroom — above the state benchmark of 62% — and said the district will continue to monitor cash balances and adjust capital project timing if necessary.

Members requested that the administration provide enrollment tracking (day‑one counts and changes around the state funding dates) and class‑size and building utilization data as part of future packet materials so the board can assess revenue impact and operational planning.

The motion to adopt the 2026 budgets and the associated capital and bus plans carried by voice vote, recorded as 7 in favor, 0 opposed.

The board also approved several routine items earlier in the meeting — the agenda, minutes and consent agenda — before taking up the budget vote. The adopted budget and related forms complete the district’s required legal process for 2026.