2026-27 budget adopted with a reported $125,000 gap; reserves fell $473,000 last year

What happened

The board passed a 2026-27 general fund budget of about $12.4 million. It includes the state's $2,000-per-step teacher raise, a $50,500 starting salary, and 2% plus a step for other staff. At the June 8 meeting a speaker said the budget was about $125,000 short of balancing and urged showing where the money would come from. The 2024-25 audit showed the general fund's reserve fell about $473,000, to $3.7 million.

Why it matters to families

Spending more than revenue draws down reserves. The reserve is still above the board's target of about 25% of spending, but it is getting smaller. The district has said it wants to avoid an operating millage increase.

The evidence

December 8, 2025 recording: audit presentation. April 13, 2026: early budget about $125,000 out of balance. May 11: first reading at $12,374,893. June 8: second reading and the speaker's comment.

The source