Superintendent: initial forecast shows about $3 million gap for 2026–27; administration says no personnel eliminations planned

Superintendent Davis updated the Oshkosh Area School District board Wednesday on its budget‑forecasting work for 2026–27, saying consultants’ initial analysis shows a shortfall of roughly $3,000,000.

"So we're still approximating, about $3,000,000, that we'll need to, to work through," Davis said, describing meetings with Todd Hajewski of Baird School Solutions and follow‑up work with consultant Todd Gray. Davis said the administration is preparing recommendations that would avoid eliminating existing positions for economic reasons as the district moves into 2026–27: "So anybody who has a position for next year, will have that position. That position will not be eliminated due to economic reasons, for moving into 2627."

Davis described efforts to improve forecasting by integrating position data into a new Skyward cumulative forecasting model and to build multi‑year projections through 2029–30 in advance of the district’s operational referendum expiration. He said the administration will return on May 27 with more refined forecasts and specific recommendations to close the gap.

Trustees asked questions about timelines for decisions and urged early work on measurable KPIs so the board can match goals to budget choices. The superintendent also reported internal process changes in tracking summer 'extended contracts' for staff, including requiring time punches and supervisor approvals; the packet noted nine position reductions and that allocated flex hours were reduced by 109, with a directors' budget figure of $211,600 mentioned in the report.

The board did not take any formal budget votes Wednesday; administrators said formal recommendations will be presented for consideration at follow‑up meetings before the district begins the new fiscal year on July 1.