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Calvert County schools flag fuel and encumbrance pressures as budget concerns
Summary
CFO Chris Jewett told the board the district’s unrestricted revenues were $209,491,889 and expenditures $187,286,832 through March 31; transportation expenditures plus encumbrances exceed budget by roughly $241,000, driven by rising fuel costs, and fixed‑charges encumbrances (including salary taxes) warrant follow‑up.
Calvert County Public Schools’ chief financial officer told the school board on May 4 that the district is tracking revenues and expenditures consistent with the fiscal year but is monitoring specific cost pressures that may require budget adjustments.
Chris Jewett presented the nine‑month financial report, saying total unrestricted revenues stood at $209,491,889, about 73% of the total budget, and total unrestricted expenditures were $187,286,832 as of March 31. Jewett said encumbrances totaled $89,597,109 and represent known commitments. "Our total unrestricted revenues were $209,491,889," Jewett said while noting county, state and federal payments are still expected in coming months.
Jewett called particular attention to transportation (category 209), reporting that expenditures plus encumbrances exceed the budget by roughly $241,000 and identifying higher fuel costs as the major contributor. He said fuel had moved from the mid‑$3 range to about "$5.12 net of tax." Jewett said the district will continue to monitor the category and that an intercategory budget transfer may be brought forward for county approval.
On fixed charges (category 210), Jewett said the district had an available balance of about $1,500,000 but that health‑care claims in 2026 are being evaluated and could affect that balance by year end. When a board member pressed on a $21,000,000 encumbrance shown in fixed charges and asked whether that implied an $84,000,000 run rate in the fourth quarter, Jewett explained that salary encumbrances across categories carry associated Social Security tax encumbrances and that he would provide a detailed breakout after the meeting.
Board members asked for further documentation and a master schedule of contract decisions and negotiations that affect budget timing. Jewett said he would provide the requested details and that staff will continue to monitor utility and health‑claims trends.
The board did not take formal fiscal action at the meeting; Jewett said staff would return with any material changes and with proposed transfers if necessary.
