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Worthington board adopts initial 2026‑27 budget; district flags $725,000 general‑fund gap and $2.59M compensatory shortfall
Summary
Board approved the district's initial 2026‑27 budget after being briefed on revenue changes, a roughly $725,000 general‑fund gap and an estimated $2.59 million compensatory funding shortfall; district plans to use restricted basic skills reserves and manage staffing by attrition.
The Worthington Public School District board approved the district's initial 2026‑27 budget on June 16 after presentations from finance staff that outlined revenue, expense and fund estimates and a compensatory funding shortfall.
Ryan presented projections showing general‑fund revenues and other operating funds (general fund roughly $65.6 million, total operating funds about $70.9 million, construction fund about $9.84 million and total all funds about $81.115 million). He noted estimated capital expenditures and transportation changes tied to contracted services. The district showed a projected general‑fund gap of roughly $725,000 in the initial budget figures.
Administrators also reported a compensatory deficit of about $2.59 million for the coming year. The district told the board it plans to draw from the basic skills fund (described at the meeting as holding just over $6 million in compensatory dollars from prior years with usage restrictions) to cover near‑term needs and will pursue staffing adjustments through attrition and internal reviews of position roles to align spending with available state funding.
Carmen said the district will pursue a short‑term contracted food service solution while it completes a full RFP process next year; transportation for special‑education routes is moving toward a contracted model that may change routes and staffing. Board members asked for clarity on which total to monitor for fiscal health and were advised to focus on the total general‑fund figure while reviewing components of the operating fund.
The board approved the initial 2026‑27 budget by motion and voice vote. Administration said it will continue work on staffing plans, operational efficiencies and the procurement timeline for contracted services and return with additional details as the year progresses.
Votes at a glance: motion to approve the initial 2026‑27 budget carried by voice vote; administration to report follow‑up actions on staffing and compensatory spending.
