Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts preliminary FY27 budget after reporting $3M drop in compensatory aid
Summary
The board approved a preliminary FY27 budget that projects expenses exceeding revenues, driven largely by an approximate $3 million reduction in compensatory aid; the district expects to use fund balance and implement other adjustments.
The Columbia Heights Public Schools board approved the district’s preliminary FY27 budget at its June 30 meeting, after Finance Director Henkkins presented details showing revenues of roughly $49.7 million against expenditures of about $50 million in the general fund and larger all‑funds deficits driven by capital and grant timing.
Henkkins reported the district’s compensatory aid is projected to fall from about $9.4 million to roughly $6.4 million — a reduction the board repeatedly cited as a key driver of the budget gap. The presentation identified an unassigned fund balance of approximately $10.8 million (pre-audit) and projected a modest unassigned deficit of about $350,000 within the general fund; all funds showed expenses exceeding revenues by about $9 million, attributed largely to planned capital spending and a decline in grant revenue since peak COVID funding.
Board members asked clarifying questions about fund balance policy, timing of receipts, and why the district maintains a reserve. Finance staff explained the fund balance exists to meet statutory requirements and to cover timing gaps and unexpected costs without borrowing; the board described prior work to reduce the need for short-term loans.
The board moved and approved the preliminary budget, noting that final audited numbers could cause minor adjustments. Members reiterated that the levy question to be placed on the ballot and continued state advocacy were part of the district’s broader strategy to address ongoing funding challenges.
