Finance Home

Welcome back, Joplin Schools! As we begin a new year, our finance team is focused on one central question: How does every financial decision connect back to the needs of our students? From classroom materials and staffing to facilities and employee benefits, our goal is to bring greater clarity to how resources support student success. Here are the key updates from the finance department from the August 2026 Board Meeting.

The Board approved the first FY27 budget revisions, including updates that align our budget with the 2026 bond proceeds and planned capital projects. These investments will support safer, more functional, and more responsive learning environments for students.

August accounts payable included more than $10.5 million in payments for salaries and benefits, instructional and support services, and capital improvements. The largest share continues to be invested in the people and resources that serve students every day.

District investments and cash balances remain secure and are actively managed to maximize interest earnings while ensuring funds are available when needed for student programs, operations, and long-term commitments.

The Board approved a temporary, interest-free loan of up to $750,000 from the General Fund to the Health and Dental Fund to address a short-term cash-flow timing issue. This is not new operating revenue or a permanent transfer; it provides stability while claims, reimbursements, and updated premium collections cycle through the fund.

As we move through the school year, we will continue connecting budget conversations to student needs: what students need now, what staff need to serve them well, and how we can responsibly plan for the future.

As we move into September, our finance work remains centered on a simple question: How are our resources helping us meet the needs of Joplin students? Every staffing, program, facility, and support-services decision should connect back to student learning, safety, and opportunity.

Our August financial statements reflect the start of FY27. District revenues include the 2026 bond proceeds, which will support planned capital improvements and learning environments across Joplin Schools.

Through August 31, FY27 expenditures totaled approximately $15.4 million, supporting the people, services, materials, transportation, and facilities that make daily learning possible.

District cash and investments continue to be actively managed for both safety and earnings. At month-end, investments were earning approximately 3.30%–4.25%, helping stretch taxpayer resources while keeping funds available for planned needs.

Health and Dental Fund activity is being closely monitored. The Health Fund ended August with a balance of $348,754, and the Dental Fund balance was $187,667. This careful monitoring helps us protect an important employee benefit while maintaining the stability needed to serve students well.

Accounts payable this month includes the many behind-the-scenes purchases that support classrooms and schools, from instructional resources and student activities to transportation, maintenance, technology, and employee benefits.

This year, Dollars & Sense will continue to make the connection between the budget and our students clear: what students need, what staff need to serve them well, and how we responsibly plan for both today and the future.

Our finance work this year is centered on clarity: connecting every dollar to what students need, what staff need to serve them well, and how we responsibly prepare for the future.

At the end of September, FY27 revenues totaled $59.7 million and expenditures totaled $29.0 million. Revenue includes the 2026 bond proceeds, which are restricted for voter-approved capital improvements; they are not general operating dollars.

The elementary Phase One work at Jefferson, McKinley, and Royal Heights is nearing closeout. The Board received an updated project dashboard showing $10.8 million in expenditures to date, with remaining project capacity reserved for final costs, retainage, technology, furniture, and contingency needs. These investments are about more than buildings: they create safer, more functional learning spaces for students and staff.

District investments continue to be actively managed to protect taxpayer resources while earning interest. As of September 30, investments with MOSIP and MOCAAT totaled $127.3 million and were earning between 3.30% and 4.25%.

Our Health and Dental funds remain a close area of focus because strong employee benefits help us recruit and retain the people serving students every day. The Health Fund ended September at $500,733, and the Dental Fund ended at $185,876. We will continue monitoring claims, premiums, and cash flow carefully throughout the year.

As state-level education leadership and funding conversations continue to develop, we will stay focused on sound planning, clear communication, and advocacy for the resources Missouri public-school students need.