Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rantoul City Schools OKs $35.8 million FY26 budget despite $345,115 shortfall
Summary
The Rantoul City Schools Board approved the 2025–26 budget 7–0. The plan shows $35,458,729 in revenue and $35,803,844 in expenditures (a $345,115 gap); district finance staff said reallocations and conservative assumptions should close the deficit.
The Rantoul City Schools Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2026 budget on Sept. 18 by a 7–0 vote. Christine Johnson, the district's Director of Finance, presented the numbers: “Total Revenue: $35,458,729 Total Expenditure: $35,803,844 Difference: -$345,115.” The motion to adopt the budget was made by John Brotherton and seconded by Katie Johnston.
Johnson told the board that Fund 10 (Education) is showing a $96,309 operating deficit but staff expect to reallocate roughly $335,888 budgeted for curriculum to Title I once carryover funds arrive. Other funds — operations and maintenance, bond & interest, transportation, IMRF/social security, working cash — were presented as roughly balanced or with small anticipated increases. Johnson described a conservative approach to budgeting, saying she intentionally overestimates expenses and underestimates revenues to help ensure gaps close.
Dr. Woods noted the district is “over budget on paper by less than 1%” and added that the district holds approximately $16 million in cash, and staff indicated more than six months of working cash is available. During the public forum on the budget, community member Rita Ray urged the board to make cuts because the budget “shows a deficit.”
The board previously posted notice of the tentative budget on Aug. 15; the budget hearing was held immediately before the vote and was adjourned prior to the approval motion. The board then moved to closed session to discuss evaluation and personnel matters and adjourned for the evening.
