Standing Committee on Finance - 05/20/26

The Standing Committee on Finance met on May 20, 2026, to review and discuss several budgetary and procurement-related items concerning the school district's fiscal year 2026 and 2027 budgets. Key topics included approval of budget transfers totaling $1.1 million across various accounts such as teacher substitute salaries, workers compensation, transportation salaries and overtime, and custodial salaries and overtime. The committee also discussed challenges with bus driver staffing and substitute availability, prompting motions to investigate multi-year trends and staffing needs. Additionally, the committee reviewed audit reports for fiscal year 2025, including a clean federal single audit of the Title I grant and minor findings in the district's financial reporting. Funding for the GEAR UP program at North High School was addressed, confirming secured grant funding through 2032 with plans for ongoing services and summer programming. The committee also considered the sustainability of the BRYT program at Burncoat High School, noting a $230,000 annual cost with partial grant funding and general fund support for the next fiscal year. Motions were passed to file audit reports, approve budget transfers, and request further information on program costs and staffing trends to inform future budget decisions.