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BCSC budget workshop flags $1M revenue drop, geo-bond option and a proposed $140,000 athletic-trainer contract
Summary
Budget staff told the board they expect about $1 million less in education fund revenue for 2026 tied to ADM declines; presenters proposed shifting $2.5M of capital to a geo bond to preserve operations cash, outlined rising circuit-breaker losses, and described a one-year Franciscan proposal to employ district athletic trainers at $140,000.
Budget officer Jamie Berninger and district leaders walked the board through the 2025–26 budget workshop, highlighting revenue pressures, reserve policies and cost-management options.
Berninger said the district is projecting roughly a $1,000,000 drop in education fund revenue for 2026 compared with 2025, largely driven by a decline in average daily membership (ADM). He detailed fund structure and assumptions: salaries and benefits rising to about 97.6% of the education fund, a planned transfer to operations reduced to $5.6 million (from $7.9 million this year), and use of a proposed $2.5 million geo bond to move certain capital purchases out of operating funds.
On property taxes and circuit-breaker impacts, presenters noted assessed value growth of about 1.5% and said circuit-breaker losses are projected to rise from roughly $3 million to approximately $4.3 million next year, reducing net revenue for the operations fund. Berninger described conservative revenue assumptions (including adjusting expected interest income) and said the district anticipates ending-cash balances declining from about $27.4 million to roughly $26.6 million under current projections.
Board members pressed on the ADM drop (~170 students compared with 2023) and asked whether demographic trends or enrollment loss to other options explain the change; administrators said they will consult the demographer and provide updated projections once official counts are certified. Members also asked for five-year trend data on per-student revenue and math outcomes; staff agreed to compile follow-up materials.
Separately, administrators presented a one-year proposal from Franciscan to employ the four athletic trainers currently serving district schools at a cost of $140,000. Presenters emphasized continuity of care — "little to no impact or change for our kids" — and said onboarding conversations were underway. The district noted exclusive marketing provisions in the proposal and told the board the contract will be incorporated into budget documents and return for approval during the public hearings; the board did not record a final vote on the athletic-trainer contract at this meeting.
Several public commenters urged the board to maintain certified athletic trainers and praised their role in concussion recognition and rehabilitation. The board approved several agenda consent items and personnel recommendations by voice vote (7–0); no final approval on the Franciscan contract was recorded.
Next steps: the district will hold a public hearing, schedule follow-up budget sessions and submit the advertised budget to the Department of Local Government Finance as required.
