Standing Committee on Budget Equity and Transparency Committee Meeting 10/7/26

The Saint Louis Public Schools Standing Committee on Budget Equity and Transparency met on October 7, 2026. The finance update reported approximately $382 million in revenue for the prior year, compared with $350 million projected, and about $1 million in General Ledger Balance fund-balance spending versus an initial projection of $32 million; figures remained subject to audit. For FY 2026–27, staff are considering increasing projected revenue by roughly $12 million, to about $362 million, while the Board-approved spending plan is $391 million. The district also has approximately $26 million in storm-related purchase orders to add to expenditures. The finance chief said she expects to prepare a budget amendment for November; no contract award or procurement approval was made at this meeting.

Discussion of the Future Ready school plan covered projected savings of about $10 million in transportation and roughly $13.6–16 million in staffing, with staffing savings potentially changing as early-childhood education plans are developed. The district is assessing costs for moving schools, building repairs, transportation, and possible building repurposing; it expects to recommend about three additional early-childhood buildings and is considering repurposing roughly 14 buildings. Members also discussed equitable school-level spending and parent-raised funds, and requested clearer public reporting of school-by-school expenditures. A follow-up meeting was proposed for November 4 to review the budget amendment, but the transcript records no vote on that proposal.