Planning for Next Year’s Budget

By Cody Way

As Oklahoma school districts look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, they face a challenging financial landscape. With state funding flat and federal funding likely to be reduced, school district leaders must adopt proactive strategies to effectively plan for next year’s budget. Here is what Oklahoma public schools can do this spring to ensure financial stability while continuing to provide high-quality education to students.

1

Conduct a Thorough Review of Current Spending

Spring is an ideal time for school districts to conduct a comprehensive review of their existing budget. This includes assessing spending across all school sites and departments, identifying areas where costs can be reduced or streamlined and pinpointing non-essential expenditures. By identifying inefficiencies, schools can shift resources toward priorities that directly impact students’ education. For example, schools can review contracts, supplies, and technology spending, as well as evaluate staffing levels. Efficiency audits can help find cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of education, such as renegotiating vendor contracts or consolidating services where possible.

2 Leverage Community Partnerships and Local Support

Given the uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding, Oklahoma schools must also tap into local resources. Engaging the community is key to bolstering financial support. School districts should build relationships with local businesses, organizations, and philanthropic entities that may be able to provide grants, sponsorships, or donations. Additionally, schools can organize fundraising initiatives or partnerships with local government agencies to share resources and services. Engaging parents and community members in budget discussions can also help schools understand the specific needs and concerns of their constituencies, making it easier to align resources with community priorities. If your school district has a foundation, this is a valuable resource to use to connect to your community and business partners.

3 Advocate for Legislative Support

Advocating for legislative action at the state level is crucial. Oklahoma public schools must work with advocacy groups such as CCOSA, school boards, and parent associations to communicate the importance of maintaining adequate funding for education. This includes continued funding for the large teacher pay raises implemented in FY2018 and FY2024. Districts need to push for funding reforms, such as better allocation of resources to meet the diverse needs of today’s students and ensure that policymakers understand the real-world impact of funding cuts.

While state legislators may not be able to secure immediate relief for the upcoming fiscal year, sustained advocacy can help create a foundation for future budget negotiations, securing a long-term solution to the funding issues Oklahoma schools face.

4 Maximize Efficiency With Technology and Digital Learning Tools

Technology can be a game-changer when it comes to cutting costs and improving the overall learning experience. Schools can assess their current technology infrastructure and make strategic investments in digital learning tools that offer long-term savings.

In addition, leveraging technology for administrative tasks – such as automating scheduling, student data management, and communication –can reduce operational costs, freeing up funds for more critical educational priorities. For example, at Jenks, facilities maintenance staff control most HVAC units centrally from one location. This allows the district to easily adjust thermostats for holiday breaks and control run times before and after school to maximize energy management savings.

Also, perform an analysis of all the district’s software tools. There may be modules that are not being utilized or are under-utilized and can be eliminated in a contract or software agreement. Most software support agreements increase up to 5% annually. Eliminating unused modules can lead to significant savings.

5

Prioritize Educator Retention and Professional Development

Teachers are the backbone of any school district, and retaining high-quality educators is essential to maintaining academic success. While it may be difficult to offer significant pay raises in the face of flat or reduced funding, districts can explore ways to enhance teacher morale through professional development opportunities. Teacher training programs that focus on improving instructional strategies, classroom management, and digital literacy can help educators succeed in increasingly challenging environments, benefiting both students and the overall school system.

6 Prepare for Budget Flexibility and Contingency Planning

Finally, Oklahoma schools should develop contingency plans that allow for flexibility in response to changing funding conditions. Creating a “rainy day” fund, if possible, can help districts manage short-term funding fluctuations without making drastic cuts. Schools should also be prepared to adjust their budgets mid-year if state or federal funding reductions occur unexpectedly. Budget makers should also use caution to spend a substantial portion of the district’s cash reserves. Most districts have propped up their fund balances in recent years with the use of ESSER funds and high interest earnings. Paying for recurring expenditures with one-time cash sources can lead to long-term disaster financially.

By carefully monitoring financial trends and remaining agile, districts can ensure that they are prepared to adjust course as needed while maintaining a focus on delivering quality education. Through careful planning and collaboration, Oklahoma schools can weather financial uncertainty and continue to provide a high-quality education for all students. ■