District forecasts a negative balance and more deficits

What happened

In August 2026 the new treasurer said the district will spend about $957,000 more than it takes in this year. Its main fund will end the year about $379,000 below zero. The forecast shows a negative balance every year through 2031. It is worse than the February forecast, which had the district ending this year with money left over.

Why it matters to families

A school district cannot keep running a negative balance. The state already put Meigs Local on 'fiscal pre-caution' after the fall 2025 forecast, and the treasurer warned more cuts or new money will be needed. That could affect staff, programs and services.

The evidence

The August 26, 2026 minutes record the treasurer's forecast report: about $23.45 million in revenue, $24.40 million in spending, a $957,398 deficit and a negative $379,346 ending balance for FY27. They name falling enrollment (about 31 fewer students a year), lower state aid and lower property tax as causes. The board approved the forecast. On September 23 it approved a Fiscal Pre-Caution written plan.

The source