SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - District 186 in Springfield expressed a $17.5 million budget deficit Tuesday, and the board of education had a meeting to calculate how the budget totaled out to this massive loss.
"As we look at our projected revenues total $236 million, and our total projected expenditures are $253 million," said board member Steve Miller.
According to the meeting, the budget is created based on previous practices, projected enrollment and revenue projections. Projected spending is based on school resources, contractual salaries and other services. Historically, the board spends 95% of the budget, but expects to spend 100% of the 2026 budget. The 2025 amended budget had a $23 million deficit in operating funds, which are used for reoccurring expenses.
"Our most valuable resource in our district is our staff, and it does make up about 85% of our ED Fund," Miller said.
In efforts to bring a resolution to the situation, there is a deficit reduction plan for both the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 budgets. Board member Buffy Lael-Wolf suggested communicating with staff who can express things they see that may not be cost-effective.
The goal is to balance the budget with the cuts, so salary increases are possible, but not by using funds designated for the classroom. The board will meet again later in September to vote and adopt a budget. Every year, there is an amended budget in the spring because the projected amounts will become more exact.
To watch the board meeting in its entirety and future meetings, you can visit their YouTube channel.
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