Forest Hills board hears budget outlook, projects fund balance dip for 2026–27

The Forest Hills Board of Education received an overview on the district’s proposed 2026–27 budget at a special June 17 meeting, where staff laid out revenue assumptions, expected grant reductions and anticipated expenditure changes.

Presenter explained that the draft budget assumes a $250 increase in the foundation allowance per pupil and uses third‑party projections showing a loss of 79 students. “we are looking at increasing our, foundation allowance per pupil amount by $250 That represents a little over $2,100,000 in total,” the Presenter said, adding that “We're building in a loss of 79 students.” Those two assumptions together shape the revenue outlook for next year.

Officials told the board they expect approximately $2.94 million in grant reductions and several one‑time funds from the current year to be removed from the base. On the expenditure side, the district accounted for previously approved contract settlements, retiree liability adjustments and increases in medical and transportation costs that together yield a net increase in expenditures for 2026–27.

The Presenter summarized projected totals: current amended revenue of about $140.6 million, a proposed 2026–27 revenue figure near $138.1 million, and a projected ending fund balance for next year of roughly $16.1 million (11.1%). “we're looking at a fund balance of about $16,100,000 or 11.1%,” the Presenter said. Board members were told that final audit results and later budget amendments will adjust the fund balance once year‑end figures are finalized.