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Mars Area SD board approves $69.79 million 2026–27 general fund budget, uses $943,000 of fund balance
Summary
After a detailed presentation from the district’s finance lead, the Mars Area School District board voted to approve a $69,790,060 general fund budget for 2026–27 that relies on $943,000 of fund balance and adds 14 new positions, citing rising health insurance and pension costs.
The Mars Area School District board voted to approve a proposed $69,790,060 general fund budget for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation from the district’s finance presenter, Debbie Graham. The board’s preliminary approval allows the district to post the budget for the required 30-day public inspection period before final action in June.
Graham told the board the budget projects $68,800,000 in revenue and will use $943,000 of fund balance to close the gap: “we would be using $943,000 of fund balance to balance the budget.” She said planned expenditures include $38,417,000 for instruction, $21,500,000 for support services and roughly $8,000,000 in interfund transfers, producing a total expenditure figure of $69,790,060.
Board members pressed for detail on the drivers of the increase, and Graham pointed to staffing and benefit costs. Salaries are budgeted at $28,300,000 — a $1,124,000 (4.1%) increase —…
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