Lincoln K‑12 board hears year‑end finances; OPI payment glitch caused shortfall now resolved

Clerk (speaker 2) told the Lincoln K‑12 Schools board on Wednesday that the district closed its fiscal year after addressing a large starting deficit and a late state payment.

“We have $936 left in the general fund and there will be no money to reappropriate from the general fund,” the clerk said, reporting that the district began the year with an approximately $200,000 deficit and moved funds among accounts to balance books.

Clerk (speaker 2) said a payment from OPI (the state Office of Public Instruction) was delayed by a payment‑system glitch and produced a temporary negative balance of roughly $11,000–$12,000. “We put our cash request in on time…but their payment system had a glitch,” the clerk said, and an auditor emailed confirmation that the late payment would not cause an audit finding.

The board also heard fundraising and program updates: Committee member (speaker 1) reported that the fireworks fundraising stand deposited $17,277.90 and that the district spent $9,775.77 on fireworks, yielding an estimated net of about $7,500 after fees. Committee member (speaker 1) warned fireworks prices may rise next year because of tariffs and supply delays.

The clerk said the district is actively serving 20 families (48 children) through the summer food service program and that staff are completing fingerprinting and staff-file organization ahead of the school year. Staff plan to present the proposed 2025–26 budget to the board for approval at the August meeting.

Next steps: the board will review the proposed 2025–26 budget in August and is continuing routine closeout work to finalize year‑end accounting.