Conneaut SD board approves 2026–27 budget despite warnings about shrinking fund balance

The Conneaut SD Board of Directors voted June 10 to approve the district’s 2026–27 fiscal-year budget despite objections from members who warned the budget reduced the district’s fund balance by more than $616,000.

Board member Mr. Schae said he would vote no "as I usually do on these budgets," citing a long-standing disagreement with district spending priorities and a trend of declining fund balance. "However, the projected budget is showing a decrease in fund balance of over $616,000," he said, noting the fund balance has covered more than $5 million in interim expenses when state payments were delayed. He also said the district lost about $43,000 in interest revenue and that the state is projecting it will send the district less than $200,000 next year.

Other board members thanked administrators and department heads for efforts to avoid expense increases during the budget cycle. The motion to approve the 2026–27 budget (item 14B) was moved by Mr. Hall and seconded by Mr. Williamson and passed with recorded no votes from Mr. Schae and Mr. Burnham.

Why it matters: A sustained decline in fund balance reduces the district’s buffer against delayed state payments or unexpected costs and could force future cuts to programs or staff or require tax increases to cover operations.

What’s next: The board approved related finance items (treasury reports, budget transfers and bills) as part of the evening’s consent votes. The board also discussed capital and project budgets in a later package vote and approved additional items that will shape next year’s expenditures.