School board hears budget briefing; district projects a $1.5 million gap for 2026–27

The Arlington School Board received a budget development briefing on the district’s preliminary forecast for the 2026–27 fiscal year that showed continued fiscal pressure and an ongoing effort to close a multi‑million-dollar gap.

Gina Z., the district’s executive director of financial services, told the board the district previously identified a reduction range of $3.5 million to $4.5 million and is still translating those program reductions into financial numbers. She said revenue estimates are reasonably settled but expenditure details (materials, supplies and other non‑salary costs) are still being finalized.

In the working forecast presented to the board, expenditures exceeded revenues by roughly $1.5 million for 2026–27. Gina said the forecast includes staffing rolled up to salary schedules, negotiated contract increases and inflation assumptions. She also noted that salary and benefits account for roughly 86% of total expenditures, making staffing decisions central to meeting reduction targets.

Gina said the district will produce a four‑year budget and enrollment forecast and return with a staff‑prepared budget draft at the July 10 board meeting and a formal hearing on Aug. 10 when the board will be asked to adopt the budget. Board members asked whether prior forecasts had been conservative and discussed enrollment, levy dynamics and federal allocations.

The briefing did not include final decisions; staff said further refinement of expenses and remaining reductions are expected before the July draft.