The East Alton–Wood River High School District #14 Board of Education will consider approval of the District’s FY2025–2026 Amended Budget during its regular meeting on June 9, 2026.
The amended budget reflects the District’s annual process of updating revenues and expenditures based on actual operational activity, finalized staffing costs, grant adjustments, capital project expenditures, and year-end financial projections. The amended budget is designed not only to account for the current fiscal year, but also to position EAWR for long-term financial stability over the next several years.
The FY26 amended budget reflects a planned transition year following significant investments in facilities, safety infrastructure, and building improvements across the campus. Over the last several years, the District has made intentional investments into facilities, student safety systems, classrooms, technology infrastructure, and long-term operational needs. The amended budget also outlines a disciplined multi-year financial strategy focused on protecting long-term stability moving forward.
The amended budget projects the Education Fund will end FY26 above the District’s internal reserve threshold, while the District’s Working Cash Fund remains strong and continues to serve as a key financial stabilization tool. Recent capital expenditures significantly impacted the Operations and Maintenance Fund during FY26, which was expected as part of the District’s long-term facilities improvement plan.
As part of the FY27 financial stabilization strategy, the District plans to transfer approximately $1.4 million from Working Cash into the Operations and Maintenance Fund to restore operational liquidity following the completion of major capital projects. District administrators emphasized that this is a planned and strategic use of Working Cash reserves and not an emergency financial measure.
The District’s long-range financial plan also includes:
Maintaining the Education Fund above a 40% reserve threshold
Rebuilding Working Cash reserves through interest earnings and disciplined spending controls
Limiting major capital expenditures following summer 2026 projects
Maintaining stable levy structures and long-term operational flexibility
Continuing to monitor inflationary pressures, insurance costs, and state revenue trends
Despite rising operational costs impacting schools statewide, EAWR remains in a stable financial position entering FY27 due to strong reserve management, conservative revenue assumptions, and multi-year planning efforts.
The District's focus remains on maintaining financial stability while continuing to invest in students, facilities, safety, and opportunities. The overall strategy is centered on protecting the long-term future of the District while continuing to move forward responsibly.
The FY26 Amended Budget will be presented for approval during the June 9, 2026 Board of Education meeting.