District presents FY27 certified budget, approves amendment and sets April 13 hearing

The board heard an informational presentation on the certified budget and related fiscal projections and approved a motion to publish the FY26 budget amendment and the FY27 certified budget for public notice and comment.

The director said the district budgets conservatively and provided multi-year projections. Key figures presented included a FY26 revenue reestimate of about $8.9 million with a more realistic projection closer to $9.1 million, and a budget proposal that rounds to $9,000,000 for the next fiscal year. The director also highlighted drivers of increased expenditures: a about $250,000 rise in salaries and benefits from FY25 to FY26 (including two added associates and new curriculum purchases) and high, volatile health insurance costs.

The presentation noted a structural funding issue: Area Education Agency (AEA) funding was described as bringing in approximately $233,000 while estimated AEA costs for services are about $270,000, producing a gap. The director said declining certified enrollment and lower supplemental state aid were major headwinds.

On capital and construction, the director explained the construction fund will report revenue later and that the board will likely carry forward construction spending; the meeting recorded a proposed FY26 budget amendment to include $2,371,000 for a parking-lot construction item and mobilization for an elementary remodel.

The board voted to publish the certified budget and to set the formal public hearing and adoption for April 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle High School Library. Roll-call votes in favor were recorded during the motion (Taylor, Thompson, Fancil, Merritt). The motion passed and the publication and hearing timeline will proceed to the county Department of Management as required.