Board hears FY26 snapshot: $261,654 expense overage, unreserved fund balance ~$346,300

The Hollis School Board reviewed a March 26 FY26 revenue and expense report showing an expense overage and a still‑positive unreserved fund balance.

"We have an overage of 261,654 for our expenses and then we have a revenue balance of 84,647," staff reported, noting that special education contracted staff and higher snow‑removal costs drove much of the expense growth. The report listed recent commitments including a $125,000 maintenance trust and a $23,970 SAU building trust; after encumbrances the district’s available retained balance was discussed around $197,330 pending year‑end adjustments.

Finance staff explained savings in regular education and benefits were largely due to unfilled positions and employees moving to different benefit tiers; transportation savings were partly offset by higher snow removal. Trustees were reminded that the district will need to rebid its transportation contract next year.

Board members asked whether the projected fund balance would cushion continuing special-education costs; staff said the current projection appears sufficient but the trend must be monitored. Members also discussed the option of encumbering FY26 funds to cover future conceptual work (for example, on facilities) and noted June 30 is the practical deadline for FY26 encumbrances.

The board did not take a separate vote on spending changes at the meeting but flagged follow‑up actions for May budget planning and the possibility of using retained balances for limited conceptual work if the board chooses.