FSUSD projects $73.4 million general‑fund decrease but certifies positive second interim

Amanda Risch, the district’s director of fiscal services, presented the 2025–26 second interim financial report on March 19 and recommended the board adopt a positive certification that the district can meet its financial obligations for the current year and two subsequent years.

Risch reported the district is "projecting a decrease in our unrestricted fund balance of $23,700,000" and a projected decrease in the restricted fund balance of $49,600,000, for a total projected decrease in the general fund balance of $73,400,000. She said the district’s 3% minimum reserve is calculated at $12,300,000 and that the district currently has $18,300,000 set aside in a special reserve (Fund 17) for economic uncertainty and textbook commitments.

"I am pleased to report all our projections reflect a positive cash flow balance at the end of our fiscal year," Risch told trustees, and she noted borrowing will not be necessary under current projections. She described the projected decreases as partially attributable to prior‑year carryover funds that were not fully spent and to high volumes of restricted, one‑time funds that administration plans to leverage strategically to avoid drawing on unrestricted dollars.

Trustees thanked district staff for the presentation; Trustee Patero praised fiscal staff for keeping the district solvent amid regional budget pressures. The student board member cast a preferential "aye" vote; the board adopted the recommendation and certified a positive second interim.

Next steps noted by Risch include reviewing the governor’s May revision to the state budget and presenting the final 2026–27 budget for public review in June, with potential adoption later that month.