Alexander Local trustees stress levy necessity as forecast shows widening deficits

Chair opened the meeting and the Treasurer presented the district's fiscal-year 2027 forecast, telling trustees the figures are projections but that expenses are projected to outpace flat state revenue.

Treasurer explained the district's calculated per-pupil funding for FY27 is $8,162 while the district's cost to provide those services is $10,457 and the state average is about $12,759. "Our calculated per pupil based cost for, fiscal year '27 is $8,162," the Treasurer stated, and he warned that continuing deficits will force difficult choices absent additional revenue.

The Superintendent and board members framed a levy on the ballot as the primary near-term option to limit the impact on students and staff. Chair said the levy would "slowly make changes and give us a little bit of time to figure out ways to help manage our expenses to where we can limit the impact on our children and limit the impact on the employees in the community." Board members urged visible, factual engagement with the public and emphasized that trustees may answer factual questions but must be mindful of their role.

The board approved several routine financial items later in the meeting (minutes, statements, transfers, five-year forecast and appropriations), reflecting a broader effort to manage cash flow while pursuing the levy.

The district plans public outreach ahead of the ballot; trustees did not adopt new policy language for campaigning during the meeting and instead reiterated guidance to limit their comments to factual answers.