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Wayne-Westland board told of $9 million general-fund shortfall; officials warn pending 31C grant could reshape plans
Summary
District finance staff presented a 2025-26 general-fund gap of about $9 million driven by a 300-student enrollment loss and categorical cuts, and outlined 2026-27 budget savings that assume uncertain state grant decisions and property-sale proceeds.
Miss Claire, presenting the 2025-26 final budget, told the board the general fund faces a projected $9 million loss driven by a 300-student shortfall and reductions in categorical aid. "Budget is at a loss of a 9 million," she said, and reported a projected fund balance just above the board'set 15% threshold (about 16.27%).
Claire said the shortfall reflected multiple factors: enrollment declines, loss of some categorical funding despite an increase in per-pupil aid, $1 million in planned curriculum purchases, and additional transportation staffing. She identified line items administrators plan to manage through attrition, targeted hiring at lower pay steps and by not filling some positions.
On the 2026-27 proposed budget, Claire said the district modeled assumptions that include holding enrollment steady, $250 per pupil in state aid, sale of two buildings (estimated $800,000) and an estimated $3 million in salary savings by not refilling certain positions. She said the district plans to save $160,000 on insurance through SETSEG and to reduce transportation spending by $500,000 in the general fund.
Board members pressed on timing and uncertainty. Ms. May noted the board was voting on a proposed budget before the state budget is finalized and said adjustments will be necessary. Claire agreed, noting an amended budget will follow once state figures and student counts are known.
A particular financial variable is a pending 31C grant decision expected in July. Claire said the grant could require the district to set aside $3 million and that its timing complicates planning; "if it does happen, we would have to rearrange some things in our budget and put that 3 million aside," she said.
The budget presentation also covered specific funds: the special-education fund remains net-zero because Wayne RESA and state aid reimburse eligible expenses; the sinking fund (property-tax supported) is used for building repairs and could be used for buses after an August change in allowable uses; a new 2026 bond of about $19 million is underway for Chromebooks and future AV/network upgrades.
Administrators recommended the board approve a package of curriculum and IT purchases (a bundle later approved by vote), and said they will return with budget amendments once state information and final counts are available.
