District asks county for $222,499 more, with no savings left to cover gaps

What happened

For 2026-27 the board asked county commissioners for $4,680,941 ($4,227,941 operating and $453,000 capital), a $222,499 increase for continuing costs only. Staff said the budget is balanced only if the county grants the increase, and it is the first budget without drawing on savings, which are low. Pandemic relief money ran out in 2025.

Why it matters to families

If the county does not fund the increase, the district would have to cut spending.

The evidence

Apr 21, 2026 recording: 'this is contingent upon receiving the requested $222,000 from our commissioners.' Nov 10, 2025: 'we have exhausted all of the [ESSER] funding.'

The source