Board approves finance items: fund report, bond claims, lunch-price increase and write-off of uncollectible lunch debt

Shelbyville Central Schools trustees approved a set of finance and operations items Tuesday, including a fund-and-trend report, bond claims, an increase in lunch prices for 2026–27, and a motion to write off uncollectible lunch debt.

Fund report and bonds: In a presentation, Miss Babcock said all district funds and bank accounts were balanced for May 2026 and that the district opened a new account for proceeds from a 2026 general-obligation bond (fund 706) to keep bond proceeds separate for tracking interest and expenditures. The district also received an advanced property-tax draw that increased cash available in June. Miss Babcock cautioned that the education fund (ED) ending cash balance was low (about 3%) while the operations fund was at about 19% and year-to-date operations spending was 51%.

The board approved final claims from the 2022 bond series reported at $2,286.77. The transcript records a figure for the 2024 bond claims that appears in the meeting text as “1,649,37.99” (format in the record appears to contain an error); the board approved the 2024 bond claims as presented on the consent agenda.

Lunch prices and lunch-debt write-off: The board approved modest increases to lunch prices for the coming school year—elementary lunch +$0.05 and middle- and high-school lunches +$0.10—while continuing universal breakfast for all students. Staff said applications for free and reduced-price meals will be available online beginning July 1, 2026. One board member vocalized opposition to the price change during the voice vote, but the motion carried.

District staff also requested authorization to write off uncollectible lunch debt; Miss Babcock said the district had collected about $33,000 to date but still faced historical negative balances and recommended the write-off. The board approved the request and staff said they would continue outreach to families and use the Trek collection system to reduce future debt.

Why it matters: The finance items affect the district's near-term cash flow and budget planning. The advanced property-tax draw and bond proceeds helped shore up cash, but staff warned the ED fund balance is low and operations spending will require monitoring. The lunch-price increase is small but will affect families not eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Next steps: Staff will continue routine financial monitoring, complete the bond-account closings referenced in the fund report, and return with any required updates to the board.