District closes year with smaller-than-expected surplus; food service posts modest surplus

The business administrator told the board the district is still closing the prior fiscal year and cautioned that final numbers may change. Preliminary figures show an ending balance of approximately $313,580 before transfers to trust funds.

The district plans to send $250,000 to the trustee of the trust fund—$125,000 to the turf field account and $125,000 to the facilities expendable trust—and anticipates sending $63,580 back to the towns to offset property taxes. That return to towns is about $186,000 less than the district estimated during budget planning.

Administrators said several unanticipated expenses reduced the available balance: an early purchase of a pickup truck to perform plowing due to concerns about tariffs and availability, cancellation of a plowing contract, and roughly $125,000 in sick, vacation and retirement payouts for departing staff.

The business administrator said the district’s food service operation finished the year with a $26,584 surplus. However, ongoing higher food costs and unanticipated repairs may require a price adjustment. The administrator said the board may see a request at the next meeting to increase lunch prices; officials said they prefer to finalize any change before families complete free‑and‑reduced‑price applications so parents have accurate pricing information before school starts.

Board members were advised the finance committee is studying the fiscal landscape for FY 2027, including health‑insurance and collective bargaining costs; several bargaining groups have contracts expiring in the coming year.

No formal budget adjustments were approved at the meeting; the report was informational and staff will return with any proposed price changes or final audited numbers.