The capital reserve falls from $9.8 million to under $200,000 in three years, just as a $228 million building plan is drawn up

What happened

The state-format budget filings track the district's reserves. Capital reserve stood at $9,778,014 audited at June 2024 and $6,888,443 at June 2025, is estimated at $1,731,612 for June 2026 and $195,939 for June 2027. The 2025-26 budget withdrew $5,158,831 from it and the 2026-27 budget a further $1,537,673, the latter covering fire alarm panels in eight buildings, four boilers, vape detectors and paving. Unrestricted general operating balance falls from $4,933,701 to $2,947,122 across the same period and the legal reserve to zero. In June 2026 the board voted to put up to $5,000,000 of year-end surplus back into capital reserve, up to $1,000,000 into maintenance reserve and up to $200,000 into the emergency reserve, which is the only thing that would rebuild it.

Why it matters to families

Capital reserve is what a district spends on roofs and boilers without borrowing. Emptying it in the same years it plans a $228 million referendum means the smaller repairs have nowhere else to come from if the referendum fails.

The evidence

The 2026-27 filing's recapitulation of balances reads 'Capital Reserve 9,778,014 6,888,443 1,731,612 195,939' for June 2024 audited, June 2025 audited, and June 2026 and 2027 estimated.

The source