Enrollment falls as new aid improves this year’s budget

What happened

About 550 fewer students enrolled, mostly in elementary schools. New state aid moves the 2026–27 forecast to a $2.9 million surplus, but later years still show deficits.

Why it matters to families

Fewer students can reduce future school funding. One-time aid helps now but does not remove the need to plan for recurring costs.

The evidence

The September presentation lists 25,717 students and forecasts General Fund deficits of $20.1 million in 2027–28 and $9.9 million in 2028–29. It reports $23.2 million in one-time support and $8.4 million in ongoing special-education aid. The $129.56 million prior-year balance includes restricted and committed money; it is not all available to spend.

The source