CSFO reports October 2025 financial snapshot: $98.6M beginning fund balance, $21M obligated funds

Pamela Watkins, the district chief school finance officer, presented the October 2025 financial statement, the district’s first month of fiscal year 2026.

Watkins said the district’s beginning fund balance was $98,600,000, but noted roughly $21,000,000 of those funds were obligated to specific state funding sources and therefore not available for general-purpose spending. She reported October revenues of about $19.5 million against October expenditures of approximately $23 million, explaining that most large revenue inflows arrive in December through February each year.

Watkins also reviewed payroll and benefits trends, noting increases in benefit costs (including a previously reported 13% rise in PHIP costs) and said the finance department plans to update financial policies and procedures, review organizational structure and salary schedules, and consider a district-wide inventory project in 2026 or 2027.

Board members asked clarifying questions and Watkins offered to return with additional analysis as needed. No legislative or policy action was taken in this segment.