Board adopts tentative 2026–27 budget amid concerns about declining enrollment and special‑education funding

The Churchill County School District board unanimously adopted the tentative budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, after a presentation from district finance staff and extended discussion about enrollment declines and funding constraints.

Finance director Amanda Hammond reviewed the budget assumptions and noted the district accounted for recent enrollment losses when building next year’s projections. Trustees raised questions about a student loss of more than 200 students over recent years and how that decline affects per‑pupil funding and staffing decisions.

Board members also highlighted state funding issues that reduce district flexibility. Trustees noted a change in state qualification rules for at‑risk funding that reduced the district’s allocation in the current year and discussed how special‑education funding formulas can leave districts bearing costs for students above statutory thresholds. One trustee said the district had to return roughly $140,000 to the state in a prior year when attendance projections were off.

District leaders said the budget includes conservative assumptions and contingency planning — including holding some vacant positions unfilled and closely monitoring class sizes — to protect the district’s fiscal stability. The board approved the tentative budget by unanimous vote and scheduled further review and monitoring as year‑end data become final.

Trustees urged continued conservative spending and said they will press state policymakers about funding formulas that fail to reflect local needs.