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Rankin district projects smaller amended deficit but flags next-year risk
Summary
Superintendent Matt Gordon told the board the district still expects deficit spending this fiscal year (Original Budget projection -$249,114) but that the amended-budget shortfall will likely be substantially smaller; he cautioned that projections show possible deficit spending next year and that enrollment uncertainty contributes to risk.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Gordon told the Rankin Board of Education on Jan. 26 that a deficit spending forecast remains for the current fiscal year but that the district expects the amended-budget shortfall to be much smaller than the Original Budget projection of -$249,114. "A deficit spending forecast still exists for this fiscal year," Dr. Gordon said during the finance summary, noting the "bulk of this amount is due to planned funding of larger expenditures (i.e. replacement unit for RTU-3 and the purchase of a math curriculum)."
Dr. Gordon said unforeseen circumstances so far this year have affected the budget both positively and negatively and that the district remains in positive financial shape because of historically strong years when revenues exceeded expenditures. He added that multi-year projections currently forecast deficit spending for next year even without additional large expenditures and that district leaders will monitor finances closely and report back to the board. The superintendent recommended maintaining tentative class sections for 2026–27 in line with current offerings given the district's present financial standing.
Enrollment data factored into the outlook: Dr. Gordon reported current enrollment at 205 students and a conservative projection of 190 students for 2026–27, a figure he described as potentially understating actual future enrollment. The board reaffirmed its prior philosophy to address significant enrollment reductions or unplanned deficits by discussing options in a "thoughtful, steady, and measured manner."
