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School officials, consultant report $1.4 million projected shortfall as supervisors press for answers
Summary
Franklin County public school finance consultant and superintendent told supervisors the school division’s projected 2026 shortfall is about $1.4 million, prompting calls for better analytics from school staff and debate about county support and one-time bonuses.
A county-contracted public finance consultant told the Franklin County Board of Supervisors on May 19 that, with 10 months of records in hand, the Franklin County Public Schools are projected to end the fiscal year about $1.4 million in the red.
Anne Shaver said the projection reflects modest revenue underperformance and near‑budget expenditures but remains uncertain because several revenue streams — principally state and federal funds — require more detailed analytics from school staff. Shaver stressed that state funding accounts for roughly 40–42% of the school division’s revenues and that monthly review and better work papers are needed to refine projections.
Superintendent Dr. Sears acknowledged the shortfall but said recent austerity steps and personnel reductions have reduced an earlier projection of roughly $2.2 million to today’s estimate of $1.4 million. Sears described a staffing plan that identifies about 67 position changes (mostly transfers and attrition, with roughly eight outright eliminations) and said many measures are aimed at preventing recurring deficits.
Supervisors pressed both county finance staff and the schools for clearer documentation. Supervisor Quinn asked for a revised range of plausible outcomes; Shaver said the shortfall could improve to break even in best case or worsen by several hundred thousand dollars under other scenarios. Multiple supervisors expressed frustration that staff requests for federal and instructional detail remain outstanding and that the board needs timely data to close the year.
Board members also discussed school capital needs, including previously requested funding for HVAC work at four elementary schools and a $4 million figure cited for one school. Dr. Sears said the schools could update their capital estimates but that engaging engineers would require funding.
The board and school officials agreed to continue collaborative monthly reviews. The county finance director said staff will work to incorporate additional analytics and that supervisors want written supporting worksheets for the revenue and expenditure figures before final appropriations.
The board asked staff to return with updated May numbers and recommended documentation before making further one-time funding commitments.
