District reports $3.66 million January fund-balance decrease; operating costs up 6.3% from last year

Assistant Superintendent for Business Al Kirkus presented the January 2026 financial performance summary, saying the district expended $5,259,736 and received $1,604,287 in January, resulting in a decrease to the fund balance of $3,655,449. He reported the district began January with $37,194,127 and ended with $33,538,679.

Kirkus said operating expenditures (excluding Capital Projects) for the month were $5,239,799—$169,000 higher than expected—and up $309,000 (6.26%) from January of the prior year. He attributed the year-over-year rise mainly to a $314,000 increase in salaries and benefits, a $56,000 increase in non-capital equipment (including filing cabinets and specialized equipment for special education), and a $74,000 increase in outplaced special education tuition, partially offset by timing-related reductions in supplies and capital equipment. Revenues (excluding Capital Projects) for January were $1,470,650, $143,000 higher than budgeted for the month but $162,000 lower than last January; fiscal year-to-date revenues were noted as $825,000 higher and expenditures $159,000 higher as of Jan. 31.

Superintendent Craig Schoppe noted updated revenue amounts for Goodings Grove and Luther J. Schilling elementary schools. The Board received the report as part of the consent/financial materials; no separate action was taken beyond receiving the information.