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Kohler school leaders flag $80,000 special-education aid uncertainty as they refine 2026'27 budget
Summary
Superintendent Mike and finance staff told the board they are taking a conservative approach to next year's budget, noting open-enrollment assumptions of 80% acceptance and an $80,000 special-education aid uncertainty that could affect the district's deficit; staff plan further revisions in August, September and October as state estimates arrive.
Superintendent Mike and district finance staff briefed the Kohler School District board on the preliminary 2026'27 budget, describing the document as a working plan that will be updated as state estimates and audit work are completed.
Mike highlighted the district's intent to take a conservative approach while hiring and adjusting insurance and other cost lines. Melissa, who walked the board through the timeline, said open-enrollment acceptance was being conservatively assumed at 80 percent for planning purposes and that open-enrollment out figures currently mirror last year's trends.
Both administrators called attention to a roughly $80,000 uncertainty tied to special-education aid that could influence the district's projected deficit. Mike noted ongoing political and legislative developments at the state level that could change funding dynamics and said the administration will monitor changes and revise figures accordingly.
"Of course, we're going to take a conservative approach on anything we have, especially as we're building the budget," Mike said, adding that the district will revisit budget figures in August and again in September before final approval in October.
No action was required at the meeting; the presentation was an update and staff will return with revised figures as more data becomes available.
