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Wauwatosa School District projects year‑end operating surplus, expects to finish better than budget
Summary
A finance presenter told the board the district now expects to finish the 2025–26 fiscal year better than budgeted and "in the black operationally," noting a one‑time property tax chargeback and month‑to‑month projection changes that could alter final figures.
The presenter for the Wauwatosa School District reviewed the April 2026 financials and said the district now expects to finish the 2025–26 fiscal year "better than budget" and "in the black operationally," while noting a one‑time property tax chargeback affects the below‑the‑line presentation.
The presenter told the board that salaries and benefits are trending about 1% favorable to projections and that overall spending through April is very close to expectations: "our actuals, that's this line, 64.7%, is to the expected 65.1." He credited staff and new budget‑monitoring processes for keeping expense performance tight.
District revenues are largely on track but are seasonally concentrated: the presenter reminded members that much of the district's revenue is received in June, so the June financials typically bring actuals and projected budget lines into closer alignment. He said local revenues are "slightly behind" but are expected to catch up.
On the balance sheet, the presenter contrasted the board's budgeted deficit — roughly $3,100,000 — with a one‑time $3,500,000 property tax chargeback, saying that when that chargeback is accounted for the district's operating surplus is about $319,000. He reiterated that month‑to‑month projections can shift as additional entries are posted: last month's projection showed roughly $2,100,000 favorable to budget; the current projection shows about $1,800,000 favorable, both within a sub‑1% variance.
The presenter said the improved projection reduces the expected draw on fund balance and gives the district room to begin rebuilding reserves, address deferred maintenance for buildings and grounds, and prepare for remaining referendum obligations. He cautioned that small adjustments could still occur as a "few more revenues" are entered into the system.
No formal motions or votes were reported during the presentation. The presenter closed by saying the April results were "very good news" as the district moves into the final two months of the fiscal year.
