Decatur SD 61 projects $5.9 million operating deficit in FY27 tentative budget

Mr. Osborne, presenting the district’s FY27 tentative budget, said the district projects $153.7 million in all‑fund revenue against $158.0 million in expenditures, creating a $4.3 million all‑fund deficit and a larger $5.9 million operating‑fund shortfall. "FY27 projects a 153.7 million allin funds revenue and a 158 million all funds expenses resulting in a projected $4.3 million fund deficit," he told the board, and later emphasized that the operating deficit "is the number that most clearly communicates the underlying recurring budget challenges."

Osborne broke down the revenue mix and spending drivers: local property tax receipts of about $44.6 million, state Evidence‑Based Funding of $65.9 million, and federal funds at roughly 10.8% of revenue. He said salaries are projected at $71.9 million and benefits at $24.7 million (a 17.4% increase), and that federal declines and volatile CPPRT receipts increase pressure on recurring spending. Osborne recommended protecting core instruction while pursuing structural‑balance actions and quarterly monitoring of revenues and expenditures; he cautioned the board the tentative budget is still evolving and will be updated at upcoming meetings.