Rankin CSD 98 reports modest FY25 surplus; FY26 tentative budget projects a $203,316 deficit

Superintendent Dr. Matt Gordon told the Rankin School District #98 Board on July 28 that the district closed fiscal year 2025 with a positive balance of $25,527.40, despite an original budget that had planned a deficit of -$381,994 largely to fund a parking‑lot improvements project.

"The District’s Original Budget projected deficit spending in the amount of -$381,994," Dr. Gordon said, and he added that excluding the planned parking‑lot project of $354,497.73 the district’s adjusted FY25 surplus would be $380,025.13. He described the district’s FY25 budgeting approach as deliberately conservative — estimating higher expenses and lower revenues — and credited limited unforeseen costs for the stronger‑than‑expected finish.

Dr. Gordon then presented the FY26 Tentative Budget, calling it "constructed in a conservative manner," and said the district currently projects deficit spending of -$203,316. He highlighted planned allocations for a new math curriculum and replacement of a rooftop unit (RTU) on the 2004 addition that together account for roughly $200,000 in expenses and cautioned that the projected deficit could change when the Original Budget is approved in September.

Board members did not vote on the Original Budget at the meeting; the district scheduled a public hearing on the Original FY26 Budget for Sept. 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The discussion focused on fund balances and line‑item projections across Education, Building, Transportation, IMRF, FICA, Working Cash, and Life Safety funds and the potential timing of capital expenses that affect year‑end balances.