District is using about $4.3 million of savings to balance this year's budget

What happened

The 2026-27 budget uses about $4.3 million of the district's fund balance (savings); last year it used none. On Oct. 7, 2026 administrators warned of cost pressures: district insurance is projected up 56% to $1.8 million, one rebid bus contract came back 30% to 40% higher, and special education and utility costs are rising.

Why it matters to families

Savings can only be spent once. Staff said the real danger is rising costs and lower income at the same time, which is when a district has to cut programs or staff. They said they are planning now to avoid that.

The evidence

The 2026-27 budget statement shows appropriated fund balance of $4,327,969 against $0 the year before. In the Oct. 7 recording the business official described the appropriation as about $4.5 million and listed the insurance, transportation and special education pressures.

The source