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White County Board previews FY2027 school and cafeteria budgets; modest overall increase, deliberation set for May 28
Summary
At a May 26 work session the White County Board of Education reviewed a proposed FY2027 general purpose school fund showing a small revenue decrease and a projected overall expenditure increase of roughly 0.67%; the board will reconvene May 28 to deliberate and expects to vote at that meeting.
The White County Board of Education reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2027 general purpose school fund and the central cafeteria fund during a May 26 work session, with administrators presenting revenue and expenditure details and answering questions from board members.
Finance Director Mr. Markham and Director of Schools Mr. Strombarger said the proposed general purpose school fund (Fund 141) shows a projected $110,931 decrease in revenues—less than 1%—compared with the prior budget and an estimated 0.67% increase in proposed expenditures. Markham highlighted two principal changes affecting revenue comparisons: (1) the one-time voucher/bonus money in last year’s budget used a different coding (46-5-90) and (2) a state special-education preschool grant of roughly $155,000 is reflected as recurring this year after being included as an amendment in FY2026.
Board members questioned revenue sensitivity to TISA (state funding) estimates and the impact of a failed sales-tax referendum; Markham said that if the referendum had passed and the district had retained the full half share it would have added around $500,000 in revenue. Markham cautioned that TISA allocations typically finalize in June and the district may need to amend the budget if the final number changes materially.
On the expenditure side, administrators said personnel costs drive most increases; the proposed budget includes some new or reclassified positions (speech pathologist, additional educational assistants and special-education teachers) and higher coaching supplements tied to a new $50,000 starting teacher salary. Presenters also called out coding changes that produce large percentage swings in individual lines even when overall spending is steady.
The central cafeteria fund (Fund 143) shows a projected 3.22% revenue increase and a 4.54% increase in expenditures driven in part by anticipated USDA commodity processing and a stronger summer feeding program. Administrators noted the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which limits local discretion over some food-service revenue but increases federal reimbursement for meals.
No public comments were submitted at the meeting. The board will reconvene May 28 for deliberation and expects to vote on the FY2027 general purpose and cafeteria budgets at that session; the board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026.
What happens next: staff will prepare any necessary budget amendments after June TISA allocations and present a final package for the May 28 deliberation and subsequent vote.
