Columbia CUSD 4 board approves FY27 budget with $30.3M revenue projection

The Columbia Community Unit School District 4 board unanimously approved the fiscal year 2027 budget after a public hearing and presentation by district staff.

A staff member recommended the budget to the board, characterizing it as a cash-basis plan covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. The presentation noted nine funds with combined estimated revenue of $30.3 million, expenditures of $46.8 million, and $19.1 million in ending fund balances. The presenter said state Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) added $30,393 to the district’s state revenue this year, grants dipped from $659,000 to $642,000, and local property tax collections increased by about $1.44 million and are distributed among the funds. “I am going to be recommending the FY27 budget um to the board tonight,” the staff member said during the public hearing.

Board members had no public questions following the presentation and moved to approve the budget. The board recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor of adoption. Administration noted that significant capital-project balances reflect previously financed construction activity rather than an operating shortfall. The district said any major changes would be handled through the June 2027 amendment process if needed.