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Wyoming County Schools board approves FY2026 budget submission after review of enrollment declines and bond projects
Summary
Board approved submitting the FY2026 proposed budget for public review after staff reported a projected $98 million total (including approximately $30M in bond projects), a loss of about 160 students in FY24, and staffing and revenue pressures that will require careful management.
District finance staff presented the March financials and the proposed FY2026 budget during the meeting, noting revenue and expenditure shifts and recommending the board approve the proposed budget for the required public review period.
The finance presenter reported that cash and investments increased in March by about $2.2 million overall, reflecting drawdowns for special projects and bond-related activity. Revenue increases included property taxes and state aid in March, while expenditures rose for supplies, bus replacement and project-related equipment costs. The presenter said a drawdown of just over $1 million from bond funds would appear in the April reports.
On the FY2026 budget, staff noted an estimated student loss of about 160 students in FY24 and projected reductions in excess levy and state aid, which together create pressure on the general fund. The packet supplied to the board included a state analysis showing unrestricted fund balance declines and personnel cost drivers; staff reported personnel accounts for roughly 87% of district operating expenses and flagged potential personnel adjustments. The draft FY26 total shown in the packet was approximately $98 million, a figure that includes roughly $30 million in ongoing construction and bond projects and therefore is considerably higher than the district’s typical operating budget around $58–60 million.
Board members discussed the need for cautious fiscal management, the effect of enrollment declines on state funding, and the importance of monitoring coaching and extracurricular costs. The board voted to recommend the proposed budget for public posting and submission as required for the statutory review period.
Ending: Staff will publish the proposed budget for public review and return to the board with any adjustments following the review period and updated April financials.
