Grand Ledge board adopts 2026–27 budget and finalizes 2025–26 accounts

The Grand Ledge Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s 2026–27 budget and adopted final accounts for 2025–26 at its June 22 regular meeting.

At a Truth in Taxation and Truth in Budgeting hearing, Chief Financial Officer Adrienne Barna presented the administration’s projections for Fiscal Year 2027, saying the district plans to levy 18 mills on non-homestead properties, 0.7921 mills for the sinking fund and 5.63 mills on homesteads within the district for general fund purposes. Barna said projected FY2027 General Fund revenues are $79.5 million, expenditures $82.3 million — a projected $2.8 million gap — and an estimated ending fund balance of $12.95 million, or 16.29% of revenues. She emphasized those figures are projections and will change when the State of Michigan finalizes its budget.

Barna also reviewed the Final Fiscal Year 2026 figures the board adopted that evening. She reported FY2026 General Fund revenues of $81.5 million and expenditures of $79.5 million, producing a surplus of $1,992,622 and a projected ending fund balance of $15.72 million, or 19.29% of revenues.

"By law the district must have an approved budget for the upcoming school year by June 30th," Superintendent Bill Barnes said during the meeting, noting the district built its FY2027 numbers on a careful projection while state-level funding remains unsettled.

Board discussion touched on the assumptions behind the revenue and expenditure changes, and Barna highlighted factors contributing to both the revenue decline and expenditure increases. She reviewed ancillary funds and programs — including Community Education, Food Service, Student Activity, debt and sinking funds — and said further amendments are likely once the state budget is finalized.

Public comment at the meeting included a request from Tim Totten for the district to adopt a comprehensive religious opt-out form; Superintendent Barnes said the administration would review the sample submitted.

Votes at a glance (roll call results): - Final 2025–2026 Budget Resolution — approved unanimously (Oppenheim, Holmes, Stevens, Kuykendoll, Shannon — Yes). - 2026–2027 Budget Resolution — approved unanimously (Stevens, Kuykendoll, Shannon, Oppenheim, Holmes — Yes).

The budget approvals allow the district to meet the June 30 statutory deadline and proceed with operations; administrators noted they will return with any necessary amendments after state action.

The board convened a closed session later in the evening for negotiations and reconvened to approve a food service contract before adjourning.