The Interboro School District finance committee reported on Feb. 10 that the district currently faces a preliminary general fund deficit of approximately $4.5 million under a 0% tax increase scenario; a 1.5% tax increase would reduce that projected deficit to about $3.8 million.

The finance committee chair (name not specified in the transcript) told the Board of School Directors on Feb. 19 that the shortfall reflects decreased state and local revenues alongside rising expenditures for salaries and benefits, increased debt payments and higher costs for special education and student services. "We also are being very conservative with our state revenue money because last year, they had told us, to budget a certain amount. We budgeted that, and it actually came in less than what they had told us," the finance committee chair said.

The chair said the figures are preliminary and that department-level meetings and additional budget work over the next two months could reduce the deficit. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 3, when members expect updated figures and potential adjustments.

Alongside the deficit discussion, the committee reviewed several athletic budget requests submitted by Miss Ford (role not specified in the transcript). The proposals under consideration include adding girls wrestling, boys volleyball and a track program; updated football equipment (helmets and pads); weight-room upgrades including dumbbells and squat racks; a new high-school volleyball net; and new mats for the cheer program. Committee members said they want to include those items in the draft budget "but with the conversation still being [about] working that deficit down over the next couple of months." The finance committee chair said they appreciate coaches and Miss Ford advocating for the requests.

The committee emphasized a conservative approach to projected state revenue after underestimates last year, and said additional steps to reduce the deficit will be discussed in upcoming meetings. The presentation did not specify exact dollar amounts for the proposed athletic additions or the timetable for when any new programs would be implemented.

The finance update was presented as part of routine committee reports; the board did not take a formal vote on a tax rate or on the athletic additions at the Feb. 19 meeting. The district will continue budget work and return to the board with updated figures and (if proposed) specific cost breakdowns for new athletic positions and equipment.

For more detail, the finance committee’s next public meeting is March 3 at 7 p.m.