Dearest reader,
We have reached Step 5 for Hillman Community Schools.
And this time, Lady B is following the General Fund balance.
2022–23 actual:
$1,613,618
2023–24 actual:
$1,639,383
2024–25 actual:
$908,488
That was a $730,895 decline in a single year.
Now we move from audited actuals to budget projections.
2025–26:
Projected deficit: $559,301
Projected ending fund balance: $349,188
Fund balance: 4.52% of expenditures
2026–27:
Projected deficit: $183,484
Projected ending fund balance: $165,704
Fund balance: 2.49% of expenditures
Read that progression again.
$1.639 million actual in 2023–24.
$908,488 actual in 2024–25.
$349,188 projected for 2025–26.
$165,704 projected for 2026–27.
And by 2026–27, the district's proposed budget projects a General Fund balance equal to just 2.49% of expenditures.
There is an important distinction here: the first three years are actual results. The final two are projections. Budgets can change, and projections are not guarantees.
But projections are plans.
And this plan deserves attention.
Step 5 complete.
Hillman Community Schools is now in the ledger.
With receipts and respect.
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