At the April 16 Board of Education meeting, Summit School District shared the 2026–27 preliminary budget along with recommendations from advisory committees.

The Process

We are in an active review and refinement phase, shaped by input from schools, staff, and the broader community.

The process begins with guiding principles that keep decisions focused on students and long-term sustainability. Schools, departments, and community groups provide input, which is evaluated and prioritized based on alignment with these principles and available resources.

The proposed budget will be presented to the Board by May 31, with final adoption by June 30. Adjustments may continue through January 31 as conditions change.

What Is Shaping the Preliminary 2026–27 Budget

This year’s budget is being developed in a challenging financial environment. Colorado is facing a state budget shortfall, and school funding is not keeping pace with rising costs. Declining enrollment also reduces revenue.

Current projections show about $1.1 million in available balance and roughly $1.7 million in identified needs, requiring careful prioritization.

Guiding Principles

Budget decisions are grounded in four priorities: student-centered outcomes, equity, financial responsibility, and long-term sustainability.

Committee Recommendations

Several advisory groups helped inform this work:

District Accountability Committee (DAC)
Focused on protecting core instruction, special education, and early-intervention supports while identifying efficiencies.

Consejos de Familias Hispanas
Highlighted the importance of after-school programs, strong academics, family engagement, and transportation access.

Finance Committee
Emphasized maintaining a healthy fund balance and prioritizing staff, student supports, and critical maintenance.

Together, these perspectives help balance priorities while staying focused on student outcomes.

Staffing and Cost Realities

The preliminary budget reflects a projected 3% enrollment decline and rising costs.

• Net staffing reductions tied to enrollment
• Increases in health benefits (9%), utilities (10%), and insurance
• Continued focus on retaining high-quality staff and protecting student programming

School Funding 101: A Simple Way to Understand the Budget

School funding can be understood as a “money pie,” built from state funding, local property taxes, and voter-approved measures.

The base includes a local share (primarily property and vehicle taxes) and a state share that fills the gap to reach required funding levels.

When needed, communities can expand the pie:

• Bonds fund buildings and major repairs
• Mill levy overrides support ongoing costs like teachers and programs

Additional targeted funds support areas like special education and transportation, but often do not cover full costs.

What This Means

The budget reflects real constraints and real choices. Every decision connects back to student experience, staff support, and long-term sustainability.

 
*Special acknowledgement to SSD parent Jenny Alford for the “money pie” analogy. Community voice in the ongoing conversation around the budget, Master Plan, and student success is incredibly important. Thank you!

 
A Separate but Connected Conversation: The Master Plan

While the budget focuses on annual operations, the Master Plan looks at long-term facility needs, enrollment trends, and future opportunities for students. These are related conversations, but they serve different purposes and timelines.

Your input on the Master Plan is still needed.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey before April 29:
English: https://bit.ly/4cl3WWg
Spanish: https://bit.ly/3QrtV77
 

Dr. Tony Byrd
Superintendent, Summit School District