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SLPS board adopts FY27 budget after debate over $41 million deficit and proposed bond
Summary
The St. Louis Public Schools board approved the proposed FY27 budget on May 12, after a detailed presentation that showed projected salary, benefits and insurance increases and a $41 million general operating deficit; leadership signaled potential cuts to transportation and a plan for a proposed $200 million bond next April.
The St. Louis Public Schools board on May 12 approved the district’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, a package administrators said would keep the district solvent while leadership develops structural options to close an estimated $41 million general operating gap.
Interim executive director of finance Kelly Dobell presented the budget and said the general operating budget (GOB) projects approximately $9 million in increased local tax revenue but a roughly $19.8 million increase in planned expenditures year over year driven largely by negotiated salary increases, insurance and benefits. Dobell said the district is budgeting conservatively for grant revenue and aims to present a multiyear plan to a balanced budget by 2028–29.
Board members debated the tradeoffs. One member said, “Overcoming a $41,000,000 general operating budget deficit is going to require more than just trimming around the edges,” and urged structural change. Leadership named transportation and staffing as primary areas for potential savings; the superintendent said transportation costs of about $32 million will need to be substantially reduced and that staffing will be a large area for resource maximization.
Dobell also outlined revenue options. The board is considering a public bond measure: leadership signaled intent to ask voters next April to approve a $200 million tax-free bond for capital needs; in addition, a recently proposed data center could, if it proceeds, provide about $34 million to SLPS in a future year (estimated first meaningful year 2028).
After discussion, the board voted to approve the FY27 proposed budget by roll call; recorded votes were all in favor. The board also approved related items on the consent agenda and a district financial-software purchase (PowerSchool Business Plus).
Board members requested follow-up materials, including school-level per-student cost trajectories and additional clarity on enrollment projections used in the budget. Dobell said some per-pupil cost graphs were developed that week and she would circulate them; she reiterated that the proposed budget is a living document and may be amended as revenue and expenditures change.
The budget vote passed by roll call with the board recording unanimous approval of the motion to adopt the FY27 budget.
