Treasurer reports improved forecast; athletics audit shows subsidy falling after pay‑to‑play increase

Treasurer Michael Acriman gave trustees a district financial snapshot on May 21, reporting investment and operating results through April and a five‑year forecast that trustees said shows improvement compared with last year.

“We’ve generated approximately $2.5 million year to date,” Acriman said, noting about $185,000 of that came in April. He walked the board through revenue and expenditure trends, and pointed to administrative expenditures of 7.13%, which he said is below the 15% threshold referenced under House Bill 96.

Separately, staff presenting the athletics portion of a recent performance audit described steps taken to reduce the district’s general‑fund subsidy for extracurriculars. The presenter said pay‑to‑play fees were raised and that pay‑to‑play revenue rose from about $24,000 in FY25 to roughly $482,000 so far this year. The presentation cited a 2023–24 general‑fund subsidy for athletics of 76.5% (comparison peers 54.8%) and estimated the current‑year subsidy at about 62.7% pending final closeout of the books.

Presenters emphasized the numbers are estimates until year‑end accounting is complete and described actions including changing supplemental salary schedules, implementing a pay freeze for certain supplemental positions, right‑sizing coaching staff relative to participation, and coordinating with boosters on capital projects.

The board approved multiple routine financial items on the consent agenda — contracts, vendors and donations — by unanimous roll call earlier in the meeting.