Board approves proposed FY2026–27 budget; administration to post and adopt final budget in July

The Liberty Elementary District governing board voted unanimously on June 8 to approve the proposed FY2026–27 expenditure budget, a required step to meet state deadlines. Administration presented the budget on preliminary auditor-general forms and explained updates were likely once final state numbers are released.

Administration highlighted several drivers in the plan: a 2% base funding increase estimated to generate about $632,000; an assumed weighted-ADM growth equivalent to roughly 45 new students (58 weighted ADM) adding roughly $300,000 in capacity; and an increase in the classroom site fund (from state land trust and sales-tax-linked dollars) expected to provide approximately $4.4 million in new revenue, including funds earmarked for teacher-salary increases. Administration also noted capital carryforward changes and that revised forms will be submitted after the state finalizes numbers, with an adopted budget required before July 15.

Board members pressed administration on carryforward strategy and the distribution of reserves across funds; administration said reallocations and closing-year accounting could shift carryforward between funds but would not change total district carryforward materially. Administration also said a revised budget will be filed by September 15 once final state forms are available.

The board approved the proposed budget (which will be posted as required) and scheduled adoption at the July 14 meeting; finance staff were asked to provide a clearer roll-up of carryforward amounts by fund prior to the next meeting.