Byron board adopts revised budget, projects improved fund balance and funds facility assessment

The Byron Public School District board voted March 16 to adopt a revised budget that projects the district's unassigned general fund balance will improve to approximately 4.85% by the end of the next fiscal year.

The board approved the revision after a presentation from Sean, the district finance presenter, who said state aid increased by about $400,000 in the revised figures. Sean broke down the increases as roughly $72,000 for special education, $25,000 for English learner services, $32,000 for student support services, $17,000 for ALC transportation, $26,000 in school library aid and about $239,000 listed as general state aid. He also reported that total expenditures were tracking at about 54% of the year and salaries and wages were just over 50% of budgeted payroll.

The revised budget reflects a combination of revenue adjustments and expenditure changes, including reductions tied to current staffing levels and settled bargaining agreements. Sean said employee benefit costs rose slightly because of a higher TRA percentage and the new Minnesota paid-leave contribution, and he described adjustments to purchase services and supplies to align with actual needs.

The board heard that the district's Long-Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) balance had been approximately $611,000 in the hole at the start of FY26 and, under the revised budget, is projected to be about $400,000 in the hole at year end — an improvement the presenters framed as progress toward returning to a positive balance. The board also authorized work this summer on a comprehensive facility assessment by local partners (Kudson and ISG) to inform LTFM priorities.

A motion to accept the revised budget was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The transcript records the motion as passing; individual vote tallies for the budget adoption were not documented in the record.