Finance staff outlines enrollment trends, a $1.25M projected deficit and budget timing

Following the board’s business meeting, finance staff led a Financial Stability & Efficiency workshop that reviewed enrollment, staffing and early budget projections for the 2026–27 biennium.

Presenter Aaron Norris summarized key points: kindergarten‑through‑eighth enrollment is relatively stable while high‑school enrollment showed the larger declines; membership is calculated on a three‑year average, which creates a lag in funding changes; and the district’s per‑pupil funding projection for next year incorporates recent referendum outcomes and state actions to reach roughly $13,000 per pupil in planning scenarios. Norris said the district anticipates a $1.25 million recurring deficit primarily associated with the proposed compensation model, with the expectation that some of that cost phase‑in will level over multiple years.

Staff discussed staffing‑to‑enrollment matrices and potential minor staffing adjustments by school to manage class sizes, and they said more detailed budget projections will be available in March and April. The presentation noted state‑level deliberations over revenue and aid and flagged possible changes to state aid that could affect the levy and the final budget.

Trustees asked follow‑up questions about fund transfers, timing of property revaluations, and strategies that some districts use (borrowing/levy strategies) to maximize state aid. Staff said they would present more refined options at subsequent finance committee and board meetings.