Springfield District 186 passes budget, faces challenges with $18 million deficit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Springfield Public Schools District 186 School Board passed its fiscal year 2026 budget with a nearly $18 million deficit at Monday's special meeting.

The passage comes after the board has already cut $3 million to the 2026 budget. Any further cuts approved by the board will be applied to the fiscal year 2027 budget, according to Steve Miller, District 186 Director of Business, Finance and Operations.

"Our goal like always is to tighten our belts, or continue to tighten our belts," Miller said.

Miller, in response to a question from a board member, said the district is working to spend below its budgeted amounts to lower the district's deficit. He also said cutting people or programs isn't feasible at this point in the school year.

The board approved the budget with a 6-1 vote, with board member Debra Iams voting no.

The deficit will be offset by the district's fund balance. The projected fund balance after shoring up the deficit will be around $28 million, according to Miller. Since fiscal year 2023, District 186's fund balance has dropped from just over $71 million.

The district last saw a surplus in 2022.

The district also expressed concerns about future education funding from the federal level. It's not clear what, if any, impacts that could have.

The board also approved a new middle school wrestling program and professional roofing services.

The district is expected to post a survey on its website this week as it begins a search for a new superintendent. Jennifer Gill announced her retirement last month and will remain in the post through the current school year.