Savings cushion shrinks: unassigned fund balance estimated at 5.93%, down from 11%

What happened

The board's finance committee reported on September 24, 2026 that the district's unassigned fund balance is estimated at 5.93%, down from 11%, and is close to the 4% state limit. The district planned operating losses because it moved $4 million (2025-26) and $3.5 million (2026-27) to the capital fund for the 2025 Legacy project. The 2026-27 budget also uses about $8.4 million of fund balance.

Why it matters to families

Fund balance is the district's savings. A smaller cushion leaves less room to cover surprises or to hold down tax increases later.

The evidence

Committee report in the September 24, 2026 meeting recording; the proposed budget booklet shows $8,381,271 in appropriated fund balance and reserves; the May 2026 budget forecast describes the capital transfers.

The source