FUSD Budget Committee - September 21 2026

The FUSD Budget Committee convened on September 21, 2026, to discuss budgetary considerations related to school configurations, capital expenditures, and potential school closures within the district. Key procurement-related discussions included the financial implications of reverting to a K-8 model, which would require a one-time capital expenditure of approximately $1.1 million to add six new buses due to an aging fleet, as well as ongoing transportation costs. The committee debated the capacity and utilization of various schools, particularly Florence Middle School, which requires significant capital investment estimated at $16 million to bring up to code. The committee also considered the potential use of funds from a pending land sale, estimated at $7.5 million, to address capital needs across the district. A significant motion passed recommending the adoption of a four-day school week for the upcoming school year, with a vote of six in favor and four opposed. Additionally, the committee recommended closing the Florence Middle School building while keeping the middle school students within the Florence area, leaving the specific location to district administration. The committee agreed to prepare presentations summarizing these recommendations for the district board's consideration in an upcoming meeting. No final decisions on other school closures were made, and further meetings were scheduled to finalize presentations and recommendations.