Forest Hills Public Schools projects just over $3 million draw on general fund after midyear budget revision

The district’s finance director reported a midyear revision that raises projected revenue from roughly $131.5 million to $132.8 million and projects expenditures of $135.9 million, producing a planned draw from the general fund of just over $3.0 million for the fiscal year. The finance director said the changes are driven by contract settlements and shifts in staffing and pass-through funds.

"So instead of about $131,500,000 in revenue, the new, project is $132,800,000," the district finance director said during the board’s informational finance report. The director told the board the district had expected an increase in per-pupil allowance from the state that did not materialize — a shortfall of about $2.2 million — while other local, state and federal receipts and interest income modestly increased revenue by roughly $1.275 million.

Board materials show expenditures rose by about $4.5 million compared with summer projections, driven by settled labor contracts and some reduced staffing savings. The net effect is the district now expects to draw just over $3.0 million from fund balance this year, which projects an ending fund-balance ratio of about 15.75% of expenditures. Finance staff said they consider the level manageable given prior planning but will continue monitoring through the remainder of the year.

The board approved the consent package that included the budget amendment on a recorded vote. The board’s finance materials and the director’s presentation are the basis for these figures; follow-up information and the finalized budget amendment language will appear in posted board documents.