The finance committee reviewed year‑end estimates, fund‑balance allocations and early planning for fiscal 2027. Mr. Statler, the district’s business operations manager, said the FY25 estimated net change in fund balance is roughly $305,724, but that figure includes two one‑time transfers: a $3,000,000 transfer into capital reserve for athletic facilities and $760,473 moved from an Old Bel Air enterprise fund into general fund.

Excluding those two transactions, Statler said an operational surplus closer to $2.5 million would be reflected. The committee reviewed how the district is assigning fund balance for upcoming maintenance and capital projects and noted that unassigned fund balance remains below the Pennsylvania Department of Education 8% guideline; administrators said modest increases in unassigned balance can favorably influence bond ratings ahead of a potential bond issuance.

Statler also presented early FY27 planning steps, including distribution of budget templates to administrators, and noted the Commonwealth’s Act 1 adjusted index for the district at 4.6 percent. The administration proposed placing an Act 1 resolution on the board agenda to certify the district’s intent to work within the 4.6% adjusted index; board members expressed support for keeping the district within the index and asked that the resolution be placed on the agenda in two weeks.

Committee discussion highlighted long‑term cost drivers: special‑education expenditures and cyber‑charter tuition. Board members urged continued exploration of options to retain students locally, including review of the district’s virtual academy. The committee did not take a final vote on the Act 1 resolution at this meeting; the resolution will be included on the board agenda for formal action in two weeks.