APPROVED 02-19-2026

Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting (Monday, February 2, 2026)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Monday, February 2, 2026

1. Board Finance Committee

A. Call to Order

Chair Douthit called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.

B. Roll Call

Committee Members Present:
Sarah Douthit, Board Member, Chair
Kelley Cizek, Board Member
Mica Vanbuskirk, Board Member
Czarina Voivedich, Finance Director
Other Board Members Present were:
President Tauriainen
Board Member Vadla
Vice President Daugharty
Board Member Truesdell
Board Member Waddell (attended virtually)
Board Member MacRae
Others present were:
Superintendent Holland
Assistant Superintendent Dendurent
Student Support Services Director Kelly
Human Resources Director Crabtree
Information Services Director Soderquist
Elementary & Secondary Director Graham

C. Approval of Agenda

The February 2, 2026 finance committee meeting agenda was approved by committee as presented.

D. Approval of Minutes

The December 1, 2025 finance committee meeting notes were approved by committee as presented.

2. Finance New Business

A. FY27 Preliminary Budget Revised

The Committee continued its review of the FY27 Preliminary Budget, building on discussions from the January 12, 2026 work session. The Committee also began discussions regarding the FY27 Balancing Act rollout, for which the Board had been granted early access. Finance Director Voivedich presented the Balancing Act simulation, including updated FY27 revenue and expenditure settings. The Committee discussed potential variables to include in this year’s Balancing Act and considered adjustments prior to its public rollout.

Chair Douthit clarified how stakeholder suggestions may be incorporated, particularly regarding funding from the Borough and the State.

Member VanBuskirk inquired about including transportation as a revenue component and had questions regarding PERS and TERS. Finance Director Voivedich provided context in response.

Superintendent Holland requested information regarding interest revenue and whether it could be predicted annually. Director Voivedich explained that interest revenue is not predictable and should not be relied upon as a stable source.

Members VanBuskirk and Cizek suggested estimating interest revenue using a three- to five-year average for forecasting purposes. Member Cizek requested the previous year’s Balancing Act results, and Superintendent Holland agreed that providing this information would be helpful as a reference.

Assistant Superintendent Dendurent highlighted the reduction of classified staff days and the logistics of potential reductions. She also explained that information toggles are available to provide additional details.

Member VanBuskirk requested that information account for specific variables, particularly pool closures. Assistant Superintendent Dendurent noted that Director Voivedich and Administration could add details to show other areas the funds could support.

Director Voivedich reviewed operating accounts and explained the definition of operating accounts, noting that operating revenues have been reduced by 10% for FY26. Members Cizek and Chair Douthit acknowledged the 10% reduction included last year.

Chair Douthit requested the timeline for rolling out Balancing Act and for receiving and reviewing Board feedback to continue budget development. Superintendent Holland provided input on this timeline.

Member VanBuskirk suggested including school closures/consolidations as a variable. Director Voivedich indicated she would look into it but noted that some variables may not be possible in Balancing Act. Chair Douthit proposed leaving this topic off Balancing Act and addressing it as a conversation piece, which Member Cizek agreed with.

Member Cizek inquired about the comments section from last year’s Balancing Act and suggested a possible word count limit for written suggestions. Superintendent Holland agreed and recommended using AI to identify key themes from the comments. Director Voivedich stated she would inquire about adding a word count limit.

Chair Douthit opened discussion on the FY27 Preliminary Budget and Presentation. Superintendent Holland requested further explanation from Director Voivedich regarding the cost shift in revenue despite the BSA increase passed by the State last year and its relation to the District’s FY27 budget deficit.

Member VanBuskirk requested additional information regarding disparities between the State Local contributions to the Borough and the Borough’s calculations. Superintendent Holland noted the risks of overestimating rather than underestimating. Chair Douthit encouraged using three- to five-year averages for enrollment and funding projections.

Member VanBuskirk inquired about projected enrollment for next year. Superintendent Holland noted that a bill regarding projected enrollment has been introduced. Director Voivedich clarified that Administration projects Special and Intensive Needs students conservatively.

Chair Douthit opened the floor for discussion on the FY27 Budget. President Tauriainen noted that the revenue shift presents an added challenge and emphasized the importance of working with the Mayor and Borough Assembly. He highlighted the need for clear messaging and advocacy to state legislators regarding BSA increases and their impact on taxpayers.

Chair Douthit noted the drop in projected enrollment from 2020 actuals and stressed the importance of stretching expenses, reducing costs where possible, and making smart decisions to balance the budget with minimal impact. Member VanBuskirk expressed hope that the Assembly will support education funding for the District.

Superintendent Holland reviewed the attachments, including the FY27 Budgeted General Fund Expenditures by Function, to conclude the meeting.

Chair Douthit called for any additional comments. Board Member Truesdell inquired about a four-day school week. Chair Douthit noted this would be a separate conversation at a later date.

Assistant Superintendent Dendurent requested the deadline for Board input on variables, which was set for this Friday. Chair Douthit again requested a timeline for the Balancing Act rollout. Director Voivedich stated they are targeting March 2nd.

3. Information Requests to Administration

A. Information Requests to Administration

There were no further requests for information from committee at this time.

4. Adjourn

A. Adjourn

Chair Douthit adjourned the meeting at 10:34 a.m.