The Wayne City School District is projecting a $100,263 operating deficit in its tentative 2026-27 budget, a significant swing from the $685,495 surplus projected in last year’s amended budget.
The change appears to be driven primarily by declining revenue rather than increased spending. Revenue across the district’s four operating funds is projected at about $5.93 million, down roughly $1.05 million from last year. Expenditures are actually expected to decrease by about $265,000 to $6.03 million.
The largest revenue decline is in the Educational Fund, which is expected to receive about $4.83 million, down approximately $742,000 from last year’s amended budget. Despite the decline, the fund is projected to finish the year with revenues exceeding expenditures by about $54,000.
The Operations and Maintenance Fund is projected to move from a $454,093 surplus last year to a $73,482 deficit this year. Transportation is expected to post an even larger $130,482 deficit.
Personnel remains the district’s largest expense. Approximately $4.86 million is budgeted for salaries and employee benefits, representing about two-thirds of overall spending.
Despite the projected operating deficit, Wayne City enters the fiscal year with substantial reserves. The district estimates its four operating funds will finish the year with a combined balance of approximately $7.87 million.
The budget remains tentative after being presented to the Wayne City School Board at its August meeting.