Mount Pleasant Area SD hears preliminary 2026–27 budget showing $1.257 million shortfall

The Mount Pleasant Area SD board heard a preliminary 2026–27 budget presentation April 1 that shows $39,642,458 in projected revenues against $40,900,429 in projected expenditures, producing a preliminary deficit of $1.257 million, budget presenter Mr. Deritza told the board.

In his presentation, Mr. Deritza said the draft contains no proposed tax increase and relies on conservative assumptions: a 1.74% increase in state revenue estimates and modest local assessment growth. “Currently we have total revenues of 39,642,458 [and] total expenditures of $40,900,429 which gives us a deficit of $1.257 million,” he said.

The nut graf: the preliminary gap, combined with rising health-insurance and special-education costs and debt-service increases from a 2026 general obligation bond issue, frames the district’s choices for the coming budget cycle and the board’s May and June action deadlines.

Details and drivers: Mr. Deritza outlined revenue and expense highlights the board will revisit in May. Local revenue is essentially flat with no…