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Pewaukee School District reports $426,000 FY25–26 deficit, board to press for special-education funding
Summary
The Pewaukee School District ended fiscal year 2025–26 about $426,000 over budget (roughly 1% of the budget). Board and staff cited lower special-education reimbursement and higher health-insurance costs as main drivers and said they will pursue legislative advocacy and reserve-building to reduce future volatility.
The Pewaukee School District Board of Education heard July 20 that the district closed fiscal year 2025–26 with an approximate $426,000 deficit after starting the year with a projected $1.3 million shortfall. Sarah, who presented the district’s business affairs report, said the final deficit represents roughly 1% of the district’s operating budget and leaves the district with a fund-balance level near 25 percent.
Sarah told the board that two broad factors accounted for about 80% of the deficit: lower-than-expected state reimbursement for special-education services and higher health-insurance expenses. She said the district had expected larger special-education aid that did not materialize and that health-insurance costs came in above the adopted budget.
Board members and staff framed the outcome as manageable but noteworthy. “When you put that into perspective, that's 1% of our budget,” Sarah said, adding that the fund balance was used as intended to smooth unanticipated fluctuations. Board member Stacy introduced the business affairs report and turned detailed questions to Sarah.
District staff outlined next steps: focusing legislative advocacy around special-education funding and exploring whether additional reserve-building for health insurance volatility is prudent for the 2027–28 budget. No formal operational tax referendum or other immediate board action was proposed at the meeting.
The board accepted the business affairs report by voice vote. The discussion highlighted broader statewide pressures: board members later referenced reports that roughly 40% of Wisconsin districts face budget stress, underscoring the importance of state-level funding decisions.
The board will continue fiscal planning into the coming months and flagged the August and September calendar for work sessions and the budget hearing scheduled for Aug. 17.
