FY 2026-27 budget: funding flat at about $35.5 million, spending above revenue

What happened

The finance chief told the board that falling enrollment keeps funding flat at about $35.5 million even though per-pupil funding rises. Planned spending is higher than revenue, which pushes reserves below the district's targets. The board adopted the budget June 22.

Why it matters to families

Most of the budget pays salaries and benefits. Spending more than comes in uses up savings, which is why the district is trimming costs and asking voters about the override.

The evidence

May 27 minutes: CFO Glenn Hayes said funding would remain 'essentially flat... at approximately $35.5 million,' that 'projected expenditures exceed revenues, resulting in fund balance levels below recommended fiscal benchmarks,' and listed staffing, insurance and discretionary cuts. June 22 minutes: adoption of the FY 2026-27 budget, 4-0. Sept. 28 minutes: about 3,050 students were being monitored in the fall count.

The source