District 49 reports on preliminary first-quarter finances; salaries on track, some purchase services trending high

District 49's business office presented preliminary, unaudited first-quarter financials at the board work session, saying overall revenues are ‘‘pretty well on track’’ but that some operating lines are running high.

"This is based on unaudited fund balances for the beginning fund balances," the finance presenter said, cautioning the numbers are preliminary. The presenter noted that overall salary and benefits totals sit at about 24.92% of budget, "which is spot on for 25% through the year." The business office also flagged that purchase services in some categories appear elevated; one top purchase-services category was noted at 57.89% of budget.

Board members pressed whether spending cuts are planned; staff said they are developing potential cuts and will return with amended-budget proposals and recommendations. The presenter also said the district captures charter revenues that pass through and plans to revise percent-of-budget calculations for clarity in future reports.

The presentation closed with requests for follow-up on staffing vacancy risk, fund transfers to charter schools, COP repayment timing and other operational items; board members thanked the finance team for a concise, early-quarter overview.