LAS VEGAS – The Clark County School District (CCSD) identified a potential central budget deficit due to unanticipated increases, such as litigation and cybersecurity expenses, during its regularly scheduled accounting year-end close-out process, which typically runs through mid-October. The possible deficit did not impact the fall school budgets but we did inform principals for their awareness. The District will make every effort to absorb any identified central budget deficit to avoid impacting school budgets.
Student enrollment is confirmed each fall. There are changes between the budget estimates that schools received in January 2024 and the actual fall budgets they received in September 2024. Enrollment changes, salary increases, and a correction of an allocation resulted in some schools unexpectedly receiving both less money and higher payroll costs. Estimated salary increases communicated to principals in January 2024 were corrected in the fall 2024 budgets, including an increase by approximately $5,700 for teachers and other licensed employees. In addition, the data used to calculate at-risk funding for schools in the January 2024 budgets was corrected in the fall budgets.
Our commitment to transparently serving and supporting schools led us to work with principals throughout the process. We kept principals informed of issues as they were discovered and addressed, and we have been working closely with principals to support those experiencing significant challenges balancing school budgets for this school year.
If a central budget deficit is confirmed as the budget cycle concludes, we will keep our employees, families, and community informed and make every effort to not impact school budgets. We are also fully analyzing school allocation procedures to ensure we are able to improve estimates and accuracy, and we will share our progress along the way.
