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Grafton board approves balanced preliminary 2026–27 budget, commits funds to future capital transfer
Summary
The Grafton School District board approved a balanced preliminary 2026–27 general fund budget (about $31 million, a 4.1% increase) and committed roughly $469,500 of fund balance—to be doubled with next year’s budgeted transfer—toward Fund 46 to maximize state aid and limit property‑tax pressure.
The Grafton School District Board of Education approved a balanced preliminary 2026–27 general fund budget and a fund‑balance designation intended to support a future capital transfer.
At a June board meeting, finance presenter Mr. Adams outlined a roughly $31 million budget — a 4.1% increase from the prior year — driven primarily by higher salaries and benefits. He said revenue‑limit increases (including a $325 per‑pupil increase) and enrollment growth (an increase of about 42 students) help the revenue side, but special‑education reimbursement shortfalls are increasing transfers from the general fund.
"If everything played out as budgeted both this year and in next year's budget, we would end the year with a $6.3 million fund balance," Mr. Adams said, describing the district’s projected fiscal position and next steps for state equalization estimates and the fall levy certification.
The board approved a motion to commit approximately $469,500 of fund balance for a future transfer to Fund 46 in fiscal year 2026–27. Administration explained the committed amount would be combined with a budgeted transfer next year for a total transfer of about $938,000, a strategy the district has used previously to maximize state aid and limit pressure on property taxes.
Board members discussed assumptions and risks, including that the $325 per‑pupil increase in state aid could be temporary and that special‑education reimbursement may fall short of earlier expectations. Mr. Adams said the district had anticipated a higher special‑education reimbursement rate in the current biennium but now expects lower coverage, which increases pressure on the general fund.
The board approved the preliminary budget for use July 1, and Mr. Adams outlined the schedule: a July equalization estimate from the state, continuing summer adjustments, a public budget hearing in September tied to the annual meeting, and final state data and levy certification in October.
Votes at a glance (voice votes unless noted): • Consent agenda (May 18, 2026 minutes and May financial statements): approved. • New policy 6608 (fundraiser/crowdfunding accountability): adopted on second read. • Replacement policies 5514, 7540.02 and 7540.08: adopted on second read. • Personnel actions (listed hires and resignations): hires approved; resignations accepted. • Advance approval of summer teaching contracts: approved. • Fund balance designation of ~ $469,500 for transfer to Fund 46 (2026–27): approved. • Preliminary 2026–27 budget: approved for use July 1. • WIA and SWSA membership renewals, student overnight trips and gift report: approved. • Motion to convene closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c): approved.
The board’s next steps include receiving a July equalization estimate and finalizing the budget and levy in October; the board moved into closed session at the end of the public meeting to consider superintendent personnel matters.
