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Mercer County Board approves balanced 2026–27 school budget after public hearing
Summary
The Mercer County Board of Education approved the 2026–27 budget after a public budget hearing, citing a $128.7 million revenue projection, staffing adjustments and a $1.25 million capital set‑aside to match potential SBA funding for a new Straley Mercer school.
The Mercer County Board of Education voted unanimously on May 26 to adopt the 2026–27 school budget following a public budget hearing and staff presentations.
Leslie, a district budget presenter, told the board the district is planning for roughly $128.7 million in revenue and noted staff reconciliations that reduced state‑funded certified positions by about 14.5 and service positions by 27.55 since the certified October report. "We lost 325 students from last fiscal year to this fiscal year, which resulted in a little over 3 and a half million dollar cut in state aid due to our enrollment drop," Leslie said.
Jordan Angel, district finance staff, described revenue sources and allocations: $14.8 million from the regular levy, $17.8 million from the excess levy and a state aid figure of $53.3 million before a charter school deduction. Angel warned that some federal grant figures (notably IDEA) were not yet final and might be adjusted after June 1.
On the expenditure side, Leslie emphasized that salaries and fixed costs make up roughly 81% of the budget. "Our biggest expense are salaries and fixed costs," Leslie said, and the budget includes contingency reserves and carryover funds to handle unanticipated costs.
The adopted budget also reallocates $1.25 million to Fund 51 to build a local match for a potential State Building Authority (SBA) grant for a planned Straley Mercer School, and sets aside $1.2 million for priority capital projects (guttering, sidewalks, restroom work). Other designated allocations include $250,000 for secondary furniture, $250,000 for playground improvements (Glenwood and Oakville) and about $300,000 for incidental repairs.
Board members questioned contingency levels and long‑term obligations such as OPEB. Leslie said current carryover and contingency amounts provide reasonable flexibility and that the district will adjust if specific grant comps or costs change.
The board voted to approve the budget on a 4–0 vote. The district will submit the adopted totals to the state as required and carry the contingency and designated fund plans forward for capital planning and summer projects.
