Frankfort 157-C Approves Tentative Budget, Projects $47.8 Million in Revenue for FY26

Article Summary: The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education approved a tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that projects nearly $48 million in revenue, a 2% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by local funding sources.

FSD 157-C Tentative Budget Key Points:

• The board approved the FY 2025-2026 tentative budget and set a date for a public budget hearing.

• Total projected revenue is $47,864,541, a 2% increase over last year’s unaudited revenue.

• The budget anticipates a 3.23% increase in local revenue, while projecting decreases in state (8.48%) and federal (20.94%) funding.

The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, formally approved its tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and set a future hearing date for its final adoption.

Dr. LeeAnn Taylor, Director of Business and Operations, presented the budget, which is now available for public viewing online. The budget projects total revenues of $47,864,541, representing a 2% increase compared to the unaudited revenue from the prior year. This growth is largely driven by a 3.23% anticipated increase in local revenue. Conversely, the district expects an 8.48% decrease in state funding and a 20.94% drop in federal funding.

Dr. Taylor reviewed the district’s current financial status, noting consistent and stable operations. The unaudited operating fund balance as of June 30 was $44.9 million. For the 2025 fiscal year, actual revenue of $46.9 million surpassed the budgeted $44.5 million, largely due to nearly $1 million in underbudgeted interest revenue and other unanticipated income.

On the expenditure side, the FY26 budget for non-salary and benefits is 6.47% higher than the previous year. Dr. Taylor emphasized that the budget was developed to align with community values, promote transparency, and plan for the district’s future educational needs.

Following the presentation, the board voted 4-0 to approve the tentative budget and schedule the official budget hearing.