Board hears tight budget projections, rising special‑education costs and plans further review of preschool tuition cap

The board’s business office reviewed current fiscal‑year projections and a proposed FY26–27 budget, describing tight margins and special‑education cost drivers.

Business office staff presented a current adjusted appropriation of $12,221,420 with year‑to‑date expenditures of $8,535,588.05 and encumbrances of $3,651,458.85, leaving a working balance of $34,373.10. Projected spending through the end of the year added $75,396.47, producing a projected shortfall of about $41,023.37; the administration said other fund reimbursements (Medicaid, preschool tuition, childcare and similar revenue) of roughly $41,618 would reimburse the general fund and leave a small positive balance of $594.63.

Looking ahead, the board reviewed a proposed FY26–27 budget of about $13,100,000, an $892,000 (7.31%) increase driven primarily by special education. The district expects an increase in outplaced students from 32 this year to 42 next year; the administration noted excess costs for about six students that the district pays (roughly $320,000) but does not meet reimbursement thresholds for.

The finance subcommittee also reported specific cost‑saving steps taken during budget development, including reducing one bus route estimated to save about $100,000, and acknowledged potential impacts such as longer ride times in some cases.

The board deferred changes to the preschool tuition cap (current maximum $3,600 per year, $360 over 10 payments) to allow the subcommittee to collect more data, including the effect of a possible full‑day preschool program and a district needs assessment. The subcommittee expects to return with additional information in April.

Board members repeatedly thanked finance staff for their work and noted the budget remains vulnerable to unexpected costs; the administration emphasized continued monthly reporting to the board as projections update.