District presents conservative 2026‑27 budget; Aug. revision likely as state details emerge

At a public hearing the board reviewed the proposed 2026‑27 Norris School District budget and the administration emphasized a conservative approach that leaves out uncertain one‑time state block grants until allocations are known. The presentation listed projected total revenue of about $73.1 million and projected expenditures of roughly $72.4 million, producing a conservative $760,000 surplus for 2026‑27; the administration said that the August revision could increase the surplus if one‑time state funding or higher special‑education aid is finalized.

Administrators highlighted a statutory COLA of 2.87% and an additional 1.44% “augmented COLA” that the state tied to a proposed 14‑week paid pregnancy disability leave; the district said it will treat the extra 1.44% cautiously until trailer‑bill language defines the mandate’s requirements and associated costs. The presenter estimated the district knows of about 11 employees who could be affected next year and that the leave could add several hundred thousand dollars in substitute and leave coverage costs, but emphasized final costs depend on state details.

Other budget points included a continued focus on personnel (approximately 73% of expenditures), a $1 million projected increase in health‑care costs next year, startup costs tied to opening a new school (contributing to a multi‑year projected deficit in 2028‑29), and a committed fund balance structure to meet reserve policy. The public hearing was opened and closed at the meeting; no public comments were recorded during the hearing.

Next steps: staff said an August budget revision will incorporate finalized state allocations and any trailer‑bill requirements.