School District Budget up $1.8 Million

The Churchill County School District is entering the second half of the fiscal year in a stronger financial position than anticipated after trustees approved an augmented budget reflecting nearly $2 million in additional funds.

During a recent school board meeting, trustees unanimously approved Resolution No. 25-04, which increases the district’s general fund based on a higher-than-expected ending fund balance from the prior fiscal year, along with proceeds from the sale of a student-built home and additional state and federal grant funding.

Superintendent Derild Parsons and Comptroller Amanda Hammond presented the revised budget, noting that the district’s ending fund balance for fiscal year 2025 was approximately $1.8 million higher than projected.

“With the information we had, the ending fund balance was higher than anticipated, and that was able to be brought into the budget,” Parsons said. “That’s a good thing for us and helps us as we finish out this year and begin planning for next year.”

Hammond told the board that she reviewed all budget areas to ensure accuracy and alignment, noting there were no major surprises or unexpected shortfalls that would require significant changes.

“The ending fund balance for FY25 came in about $2 million higher than expected, and that definitely helped us out for this year and going forward,” Parsons said. “We’ve also received several more state and federal grants than were originally budgeted for.”

One factor contributing to the increase was the sale of the Churchill County High School house project, which sold at a profit. The home was constructed by students as part of the district’s construction and career-technical education program.

“It’s been a wonderful thing for the community, and we’re glad it sold,” Parsons said. “We hope the new owners are really enjoying the house our students built.”

While the augmented budget reflects improved numbers, Parsons cautioned that the district is not out of financial danger as it looks ahead to the next fiscal year amid flat state funding.

“Our ending fund balance from last year came in higher than we expected, and that is represented in the augmented budget,” Parsons said in a statement following the meeting. “That is a good thing, and now that we have that number, we are working hard to identify our base for next year.”

He added that difficult decisions may still lie ahead.

“While it helps, it does not mean we are out of the woods yet,” Parsons said. “We will soon know how much we need to cut from our budget for next year to deal with flat funding. We have been very frugal and are trying very hard to be as efficient as possible with our funds.”