Budget and Finance Meeting - November 2, 2026

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Budget and Finance Committee met on November 2, 2026, to review the preliminary 2027 General Fund Budget. The proposed budget includes $739.7 million in expenditures and a $13.8 million operating deficit, with no mill-rate increase; it does not meet the district’s 5% fund-balance policy. The district is projecting an $11.7 million deficit for 2026 and expects to increase its use of fund balance by about $8 million. The presentation cited approximately $2.9 million in investments tied to the Future Ready Facilities Plan and about $9.1 million in projected savings from school consolidations and reduced overtime. No budget or procurement vote was taken; the full budget document is scheduled for public release November 16, with board approval of the budget and tax rates scheduled for December 23.

Procurement-related discussion included continued review of software use to identify subscriptions that could be discontinued, and an unevaluated pharmacy RFP that could potentially reduce future healthcare costs. Board members raised outcomes-based contracting and vendor accountability; staff indicated those considerations could be incorporated into future RFPs, but no specific contract award or procurement decision was made. The district has not yet formally assessed closed school buildings for market value and is still considering reuse or sale; proceeds would go toward debt service or capital projects. Members also discussed the developing capital plan, including facilities work associated with the Future Ready plan.