District adopts 2026–27 budget that uses $8.6 million of reserves

What happened

The board adopted the district’s 2026–27 budget, authorizing spending across its operating and other funds. The budget projects $219 million in revenue against $226 million in expenditures, reducing the projected general-fund balance from $39 million to about $31 million.

Why it matters to families

The spending plan relies on reserves to cover the gap between revenue and expenses, while the district reports rising insurance and utility costs and lower-than-expected enrollment. The adopted four-year plan is based on enrollment projections and allows the district to monitor finances and make adjustments.

The evidence

In the July 28 budget hearing, the CFO reported projected general-fund revenue of $219 million and expenditures of $226 million, with an $8.6 million projected fund-balance decrease and an estimated $31 million year-end balance. The August 18 minutes say the board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 37/25-26 for the 2026–27 budget and that staffing would decrease to right-size for enrollment; they also report a 57% increase in insurance rates.

The source