8/12/2026 - Regular Finance & Operations Committee Meeting

The Bristol Public Schools Finance & Operations Committee held a regular meeting on August 12, 2026, focusing primarily on budget updates and financial management for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Key procurement-related discussions included the status of a purchase order for wrestling mats in the athletics department, which was procured via a bid waiver and remains open to be paid in the current fiscal year. The committee reviewed the fiscal year 2026 deficit of approximately $2.48 million, noting that special education costs, particularly for out-placed tuitions and professional services, were major contributors. Budget adjustments included a reallocation of $24,175.94 from repairs and maintenance to professional services to cover moving expenses for the pre-K program, as well as several transfers within the athletics and ESL budgets to cover equipment and language services. The committee also discussed plans to audit open purchase orders quarterly to improve financial accuracy and reduce year-end adjustments. Additionally, the meeting covered cafeteria program finances, with a noted surplus in July pending reimbursements, and ongoing concerns about potential deficits in the cafeteria budget for the upcoming year. No new contract awards or RFPs were reported, but the committee emphasized ongoing financial oversight and potential future evaluations of cafeteria program options to mitigate deficits.