Harrisburg School Board approves preliminary FY2027 budget, schedules fuller review at July hearing

Harrisburg School District trustees voted unanimously to approve a preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget after a brief presentation of key assumptions and changes.

The district’s business presenter said this preliminary document is “our first step on the road to creating the budget for the next school year,” noting that roughly 89% of the general fund is devoted to salaries and benefits and that special-education restructuring and benefits changes are driving some of the projected shifts. He said the district planned to spend a bit more of its current fund balance this year and would continue to monitor debt service after recent state changes to the tax levy intended to supplement state aid.

The presenter summarized planned adjustments that district leaders expect will affect taxpayers and the district’s books: additional staffing in special education (including a proposed assistant director and special-ed coordinators), continued negotiations around benefits and open-enrollment costs, and a possible reduction in debt-service demands depending on how state levy changes play out. He also described a proposal to move concessions operations into an enterprise fund so those activities and payroll do not depend on the general fund.

Board member S2 moved to approve the preliminary FY2027 budget as presented; the motion was seconded and carried with all members voting in favor.

Why it matters: The preliminary vote allows administration to continue detailed planning and public engagement over the summer. The board will hold a fuller budget hearing in July with more in-depth discussion of revenues, expenditures and any proposed tax impacts.

What’s next: Administrators will refine the budget over the summer, continue negotiations on benefits, and present detailed figures and tax-rate implications at the July budget hearing.