At the January 29, 2026, Board of Education meeting, the Summit School District (SSD) shared a mid-year financial and enrollment update, aligning with state timelines and statutory deadlines. This annual review—anchored by actual student counts and updated financial data—provides an important opportunity to adjust the district’s budget and ensure continued alignment with educational priorities and fiscal responsibility.

While the broader financial landscape presents challenges, SSD continues to act as a responsible and strategic steward of public funds. 
 

Enrollment: 

The Oct. 1, 2025, official enrollment count recorded 3,217 K–12 students, down from projections and 3.1% below the prior year. This decrease resulted in a $409,845 reduction in Total Program funding, the state’s primary per-pupil revenue stream.
 

Some schools—such as UBE, SVE, and SHS—saw enrollment growth, while others experienced more significant declines, reflecting demographic trends in Summit County.
 

Key metrics:

• Funded Pupil Count: 3,355.6 (14.5 students below projection)
• Per-Pupil Funding: $12,637.20
• Building Utilization: 68.6% districtwide
• Open Enrollment: 23.3% of students attend a school other than their assigned boundary school

Second Quarter and Budget Revisions

While SSD Total Program funding is less than expected, other changes in revenue are projected to offset the shortfall.

Salary expenses and other costs are driving a projected General Fund net loss of $436,069 for the 2025–26 school year.  In order to stay within the adopted budget, SSD will implement continued cost-saving measures, including hiring freezes and reduced spending for the remainder of the year. 

Key cost-drivers:

• Salaries are higher than budgeted due to more vacant positions being filled than forecasted
• Over time, substitutes and extra duty pay more than budgeted

Cost Savings:

Even in a constrained environment, SSD is finding ways to prioritize student success. Our staff has been in diligent cost-saving mode, identifying efficiencies and reducing expenditures across all departments. From strategic staffing adjustments to operational streamlining, this ongoing effort has led to meaningful impacts—including $262,406 in supply savings this year alone. This disciplined approach reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while protecting the programs and services that directly support student learning.
 

The budget revision is part of the annual cycle, aligning financial planning with actual data and meeting the January 31 statutory deadline set by Colorado law. The Board approved two resolutions as part of its annual budget revision process:
 

#2025-26-3 sets the total revised appropriation for all funds at $99.7 million, covering all operational and programmatic spending.

#2025-26-4 authorizes the use of one-time fund balances to meet spending needs while preserving long-term financial strength.

SSD’s financial challenges are part of a broader pattern across CO. and the nation—driven by declining enrollment, rising costs, and limited state funding. Even in this constrained budget environment, SSD is committed to transparency, compliance, and long-term planning:

• Balanced Revisions: The revised FY26 budget reflects changes in expected revenue and does not reflect any changes in budgeted expenditures. Based on mid-year projections, spending adjustments will be made to maintain the approved budget and planned reserve level at year's end.
• Compliance & Accountability: SSD continues to meet statutory requirements, revising our budget ahead of the state-mandated January 31 deadline.
• Smart Investment: SSD continues to leverage grants, including funding for student support and counseling services, and seeks efficiencies in programs like transportation, food services, and health benefits.

Looking Ahead

SSD’s financial priorities reflect our commitment to investing in people. With 89% of our budgeted spending dedicated to salaries and benefits, we demonstrate our belief that supporting our staff is the foundation of student success. Our decisions are guided by a shared commitment to high-quality education for all students and meaningful community engagement and responsible financial stewardship. SSD staff, the finance committee, and the Board of Directors are committed to increasing the Fund Balance moving forward into the next budget cycle. 

 Dr. Tony Byrd
 Superintendent, SSD