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Superintendent previews preliminary 2026–27 budget, cites $247,000 projected deficit and rising salary and benefit costs
Summary
The Jeannette City SD superintendent presented a preliminary budget showing an estimated $247,000 deficit, citing roughly $300,000 in salary increases and about $486,000 higher benefits for 2026–27; the board was told a preliminary vote is expected in May and a final budget is required in June.
The Jeannette City School District superintendent presented a preliminary overview of the 2026–27 budget on April 12, saying the district currently projects a deficit of "about $247,000." The superintendent told the board the numbers remain a work in progress and that the board will vote on a preliminary budget in May and must adopt a final budget in June.
The presentation identified key cost drivers: salaries are projected to rise by roughly $300,000 year over year because of contractual increases, and benefits are expected to increase by about $486,000. The superintendent said those benefit costs are largely fixed and noted prior internal discussions about limiting increases; "when your benefits outweigh your salaries, that's a cost that continues to go up," the superintendent said.
On revenues, the superintendent said the district expects a state funding increase tied in part to the Ready to Learn grant (about $574,000 last year) and projected that state funding would increase by approximately $1,149,000 for next year, producing a net revenue adjustment the presentation listed as $1,146,449. Federal formula funding was projected to be roughly flat with a very slight decrease, and the district estimated cyber charter reform will reduce its cyber charter expense by about $88,000 compared with previous expectations.
The presentation also noted a one-time capital reserve reduction tied to an initial $600,000 payment to Macquarie for an ongoing building project. The superintendent said the unassigned fund balance started last year at a bit over $6,000,000 and that capital reserves have declined to roughly $5.46 million after that payment.
Board members asked no follow-up questions during the brief overview. The superintendent characterized the figures as preliminary and said staff would continue refining line items before a more detailed budget is presented at the board's May meeting.
The board did not take a final vote on the operating budget at the April meeting; members were told the process will continue with a preliminary vote in May and a required final adoption in June.
