FY 2026/27 Budget Workshop

Because the meeting is a workshop, this is the opportunity to dive into assumptions used to project for the upcoming fiscal year and identify how priorities are reflected in proposed expenses. I am grateful for the detail we have in monthly reporting, which helps us to effectively address some of the most asked about money concerns I see.

Without seeing what the proposed budget is yet, there are a few items that I am hoping are addressed tonight:

Revenues:

1. Since TISA is the single largest revenue driver of our schools, what enrollment trajectory and student population mix is the district assuming for next year's TISA projection, and how are you accounting for potential ADM loss from voucher expansion (if any)?

2. For the two material state revenue lines that changed significantly mid-year in FY2025/26 — accounts 446590 (Other State Education Funds, which grew by $5.6M) and 446790 (Other Vocational, which is tracking $6.3M below budget through nine months) — how are those treated in the FY2026/27 projections?

3. I believe the County Commission Budget Chair announced a $6 million increase from FY25/26. If still true, how much of that increase is estimated to come from sales tax versus property tax? Or is this increase a discretionary appropriation independent of a specific revenue source? Assuming there is material reliance on a local sales tax, is there any cushion assumption for the potential of a reduction compared to the most recent trailing twelve months? (Later confirmed it is primarily coming from additional sales tax)

Expenses:

1. As of the nine-month interim, there is approximately $21.1 million in available budget after encumbrances. What is the projected year-end fund balance, and how is any surplus planned to be spent?

2. $25.3 million in projected capital outlay was a substantial increase from the original budget approved for FY2025/26. How large of a scope on any deferred maintenance is known at this point of time and does the school have a long-term strategy on how it looks to address this maintenance without subsequent post-budget approval changes?

3. What is the status of the playground renovation funds approved in last year's budget, how many schools have been addressed, and how much of the capital outlay ask this year is dedicated to continuing ADA-compliant access improvements?

4. The BLS reported this morning that the annual inflation rate for April 2026 is 3.8%, the highest since May 2023, driven significantly by energy costs. Over the last few years, which expenses are the most impacted by rising inflation and how are those line items being projected for FY2026/27? What cushion, if any, is built in for continued energy price volatility that might stick around for a while?

Appreciate all who are involved in these conversations and look forward to listening in!