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Staff: 2026–27 budget balanced for now, relies on food service, Medicaid and enrollment
Summary
District staff told the board the proposed 2026–27 budget was balanced as of the day before the meeting, citing higher food service revenue, increased Medicaid reimbursements and a projected +10 students; trustees pressed staff on contingency plans if those revenues underperform.
Drew, the district budget presenter, told trustees, "As of yesterday, we have the budget balanced," while laying out the revenue and savings measures that produced a zero‑balance proposal for 2026–27. The balance depends on several moving parts: raising food service revenue projections, increasing Medicaid reimbursement claims ("they've been about a $100,000 this year and last year," Drew said), removing an unfilled position and counting 10 additional projected students.
Board members questioned the district's margin for error if one or more revenue assumptions fall short. Trustees asked what mechanisms are in place to avoid a negative fund balance mid‑year; Drew described tightened purchase approvals, monthly director/principal check‑ins, and efforts to maximize proper grant and program coding to reduce lost reimbursements. Staff emphasized the budget is conservative on revenue and intentionally includes limited "fluff" so the board can see a realistic bottom line.
Drew and staff also noted the district plans a public hearing and the formal budget presentation for Aug. 19; they said a draft would be made available to board members and the public before the scheduled hearing.
