Pocatello District board adopts 2025–26 budget amendment after brief public hearing

The Pocatello District Board of Trustees voted to adopt amendments to the 2025–26 budget following a public hearing at its regular meeting.

Jonathan Balz, who presented the amendment as director of business operations, told trustees the adjustments reflect “material change in the budget” since last year’s adoption and help provide transparency about current numbers and next‑year planning. He told the board the district is accounting changes in capital construction funds related to the Highland High School rebuild and is reconciling actuals against earlier estimates.

Balz highlighted a projected $1.3 million dip in state revenue tied to declining enrollment, and said that increased interest revenue and a slightly higher beginning balance reduce the net shortfall to “around $700,000.” He emphasized the purpose of the amendment: “it helps us all kinda see … where our budget’s at, see where our actual numbers were from the fall, but also prepare us for the next year's budget,” and asked trustees to ask questions before action.

The chair recessed the regular meeting to conduct the public hearing; with no questions from members of the public, the board reconvened. Trustee Travis Bell moved to adopt the budget adjustments; a trustee seconded. The board voted by voice with no recorded opposition and the motion passed.

The amendment includes accounting moves in capital and modernization funds, refinements to revenue and expenditure estimates, and reconciling contingency and fund‑balance reserves. Administration said the Highland High School rebuild project remains on schedule and within the revised accounting structure presented with the amendment.

Next steps include staff finalizing the amended figures for public record and incorporating the changes into the district’s next fiscal planning cycle.