Jamestown school board passes budget that includes $802,000 projected deficit

JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Public School Board approved its budget for the 2026-2027 school year at its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 12. The proposed budget passed unanimously and without debate. The budget includes a projected deficit of $802,000, according to the budget summary prepared for the school board by Adam Gehlhar, interim superintendent. The budget deficit is based on if all positions are filled and all budgeted expenditures are incurred, Gehlhar said in the executive budget summary. The revenue budget anticipates a 3.6% decline in state foundation aid due to decreases in enrollment. It also includes a one-time transfer into the school s general fund from its Special Reserve Fund of $209,000 to help pay for salaries and benefits for the 2026-2027 school year. The expenditure budget decreased by $268,000 compared to the budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The school board also voted unanimously to certify the property tax levy request to t