Workshop Focuses on 2026–27 Budget Development

At the Jan. 8 board workshop, Trustees held an in-depth discussion of the assumptions shaping development of the 2026–27 budget, exploring key questions and identifying areas that will require deeper discussion in the months ahead. The conversation continued the Board and district’s ongoing work to align financial planning with enrollment trends, staffing models and long-range sustainability — while keeping student experience at the center.

Meeting Agenda
Meeting Recording

Key Factors Shaping the 2026–27 Budget

District administrators outlined several core assumptions guiding early budget development:

  • Enrollment Trends
    Updated projections show continued enrollment decline, which directly impacts state funding and reinforces the need for careful long-term planning.
  • Rising Costs
    Essential expenses — including employee healthcare and insurance, utilities and energy, food services, transportation, and specialized instructional and support services — continue to rise. Many of these costs do not decrease proportionally with enrollment, creating ongoing budget pressure.
  • Legislative Impacts
    Funding changes tied to House Bill 2 from the 89th Legislative Session impact safety requirements, special education services, early education and employee-related costs.
  • Revenue Assumptions
    Planning currently assumes flat attendance rates, modest property value growth and continued recapture obligations.

Trustees emphasized that several key questions remain under discussion, including how best to align staffing and programs with changing enrollment, manage rising costs that are difficult to reduce quickly, and plan responsibly for the future while protecting student learning experiences.

This early work helps position schools and campuses to prepare thoughtfully, avoid last-minute disruptions and continue serving students well.

What Comes Next

District staff will continue refining assumptions and modeling budget scenarios ahead of future board discussions. Additional updates will be shared as the district works toward adopting a budget for the 2026–27 school year.

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