GOSHEN, Ind. (WOWO) — Goshen Community Schools says it remains on solid financial footing despite declining enrollment, as the district considers a proposed 2027 budget that includes nearly $55 million for education and another $19 million for operations. The budget proposal was reviewed Monda y as district officials look ahead to the next school year and try to manage the financial effects of fewer students. Goshen Community Schools Chief Financial Officer Robert Evans told WSBT the district has enough money in its reserves to absorb enrollment declines and make adjustments before the situation becomes critical. “The fund balance is such that we are in good shape for the next few years,” Evans said. He added that the district has been frugal enough to build a cash balance that gives it room to “ride that tide” of declining enrollment. Goshen Community Schools serves approximately 6,000 students and employs about 1,100 people across 10 school sites, according to the district. The proposed Education Fund totals nearly $55 million and primarily covers teacher salaries and benefits. Another $19 million Operations Fund would pay for expenses including utilities, maintenance, transportation and custodial services. But while administrators say the district’s finances are stable, some support staff are raising concerns about their compensation. Bus drivers are among those asking the district to consider higher wages. One driver, Kimber Beachy, told WSBT that support employees who help transport, feed and protect students feel they are being left behind financially. “You have money for yourselves and for executive comfort. But when it comes to the front line, support staff who aid, feed, move, and protect our children, you speak and act like the Cupboard is bare,” Beachy said. Bus drivers say their pay of about $16 an hour has become increasingly difficult to stretch as the cost of living rises. Evans said the district has already increased bus-driver wages and does not anticipate raising transportation or after-school fees as part of the budget proposal. The debate comes as declining enrollment presents a challenge for school districts across Indiana. Fewer students can mean less revenue while many of the costs associated with operating schools — including buildings, transportation and staffing — do not decline at the same rate. Evans said Goshen’s reserves give the district time to respond to those changes rather than making immediate, severe cuts. The proposed budget therefore represents a balancing act: maintaining educational services and core operations while dealing with enrollment losses and pressure from employees who say their compensation needs to keep pace with living costs. The Goshen school board is continuing its review of the 2027 spending plan. The district’s financial position, enrollment trends and employee compensation are expected to remain central issues as the budget moves through the approval process. The post Goshen Community Schools Says Finances Stable Despite Declining Enrollment appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less