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Franklin County school leaders warn of $1.4M shortfall; superintendent outlines operational changes as public scrutiny grows
Summary
Franklin County Public Schools reported a projected $1.4 million shortfall for FY26 and proposed internal controls and accounting changes; public commenters and Board members pressed for more data and greater transparency as the division moves toward staff reductions and transportation changes.
Franklin County Public Schools officials told the Board of Supervisors on May 19 that the division’s projected fiscal shortfall for FY26 has been reduced to about $1.4 million but remains a material risk.
Dr. Kevin Siers, division superintendent, said the school system’s March ADM data provide the best current enrollment estimates and that some state distributions for adult education, special education and foster care will raise revenue in June. He told the Board the division has identified three near‑term operational changes intended to improve fiscal controls: create a separate account for federal funding, implement a formal purchase‑order system, and use a program to encumber salaries as staffing changes occur.
Public Finance Consultant Ann Shawver presented the ten‑month unaudited school financial report and warned that expenditure categories appeared to be trending toward overspending. Shawver and Board members said the school system needs to provide more detailed analytics and a work paper characterizing expenditures; County staff reported they had been waiting 10–11 weeks for requested information from the school system.
During the public comment period, speakers referenced internal FCPS communications that described reductions in positions and transportation reorganizations. Commenters and one public presenter asked the Board for clearer oversight of school spending and for County staff to receive the professional‑development annual cost and a written list of annual salaries and benefits for FCPS employees. Board Chair Lorie Smith said she was disappointed by what she described as the school’s shifting of blame to the County and reiterated a request for a scope of work for capital needs at three elementary schools.
The Board requested County staff to prepare appropriation instruments and any recommended tools for FCPS for the June 16 meeting. No Board action regarding school personnel was taken at the May 19 meeting; referenced staffing changes were described in FCPS communications that were cited by public speakers during citizen comment.
