2026-27 budget balanced with little room; staff pay more for insurance

What happened

The board adopted the 2026-27 budget on August 27, 2026. At the July workshop staff projected about $4.8 million in general fund revenue and $4.7 million in spending, leaving about $50,000 after a cafeteria loss. The board kept its $446 monthly health insurance contribution, so employees pay $51 more a month. It also limited a $500 stipend for hourly staff to those earning less than a first-year teacher.

Why it matters to families

The superintendent said Avery is about $535,000 a year behind its 2019 buying power and warned that cuts may be needed later in the year. There is little money for emergencies or repairs.

The evidence

July 23, 2026 recording: "I have estimated our 199 revenue to be around 4.8 million, and our expenses to be around 4.7" and "If we pay $446, then the employee portion of that is $145. That's a $51 increase from last year." August 27, 2026 recording: motion to approve the 2026-27 budget carried.

The source