Finance committee: operating fund at 44% of budget; Food Service Fund has temporary $75,789 deficit

At the Jan. 12 meeting of the Culpeper County School Board Finance Committee, finance staff presented the year-to-date financial report through Dec. 31, 2025, and highlighted fund-level balances and timing differences.

"Total School Operating Fund expenditures were $55.1 million against a budget of $125.6 million, reflecting 44 percent of the budget expended overall, which is consistent with this point in the fiscal year," Mr. Neal Deane told the committee. He said major expenditure categories — instruction, administration, transportation, operations and maintenance, facilities, and technology — ranged from about 42% to 48% of their budgets.

On food service, Mr. Deane reported total revenues of $2.29 million (51% of the annual budget) and expenditures of $2.36 million (47% of the budget), noting a temporary deficit of $75,789 primarily "due to timing differences between accrued revenues and expenditures" tied to federal reimbursements expected in January.

Committee members asked clarifying questions during the presentation; Mr. Deane and Dr. Tony Brads responded. The report, as presented, indicates overall budget spending is tracking as expected for midyear, while the Food Service Fund timing issue will resolve once federal reimbursements are received.

The committee discussed the report and the next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the County Administration Office.