Priority 3: Finance and Facilities
Goal 1
By June 30, 2031, Lewis Central Community School District will ensure long-term financial stability by maintaining a General Fund solvency ratio and Unspent Authorized Budget at or above 15%.
Lewis Central’s Strategic Plan includes a finance goal to maintain its Unspent Authorized Budget (UAB) and a General Fund solvency ratio of at least 15% to ensure long-term financial sustainability. While balanced annual budgets are vital, these adequate financial reserves provide the flexibility needed to navigate changing enrollment trends, state funding fluctuations, and unforeseen expenses without impacting student programs.
Ultimately, increasing the UAB and maintaining this 15% ratio secures sufficient cash flow to meet daily obligations, protects against revenue shortfalls, and allows for strategic investments in student achievement, staff retention, safety, and facilities.
Together, these measures demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while preserving the district's ability to continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities for current and future generations of Lewis Central students, and focusing on the core mission of Inspiring Excellence.
Action Step
The district will support this goal through monthly financial reviews, five-year financial projections, proactive enrollment monitoring, responsible budget management across all departments, and the pursuit of grants and other external funding sources.
How We Will Measure Success
Lag Measure
Unspent authorized budget ratio and general fund solvency ratio
Lead measures
- Monthly financial board reports
- Yearly completion of a Five-Year Financial Forecasting Tool
- Quarterly review of enrollment projections and staffing
- Quarterly department budget review
- Obtain a minimum of $200,000 annually in grants, partnerships, donations, or alternative revenue streams
Goal 2
By June 30, 2031, Lewis Central Community School District will improve the quality, safety, and functionality of district facilities while planning for the future.
Lewis Central's Strategic Plan includes a facilities goal focused on improving the quality, safety, and functionality of district buildings while thoughtfully planning for future needs. Because the physical learning environment plays a critical role in student success, staff effectiveness, and community pride, providing safe, modern, and well-maintained spaces is essential to support collaboration, creativity, and overall well-being.
As Lewis Central continues to grow and evolve, the district must proactively address facility needs rather than simply reacting to them. This involves upgrading security measures, modernizing learning environments, and ensuring spaces remain highly functional for both academic and extracurricular programs while anticipating future enrollment trends and community expectations.
Ultimately, this goal reflects a deep commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, ensuring the district's infrastructure continues to support its core mission of Inspiring Excellence for current and future generations of students to thrive.
Action Step
The district will support this goal by conducting annual facility reviews, gathering stakeholder feedback, completing preventative maintenance, and developing a long-range facilities plan.
How We Will Measure Success
Lad Measures
Biannual school improvement needs assessment survey results and completion of a 5-10-20 year long-range facilities plan.
Lead Measures
- Annual facility review
- Stakeholder feedback (SIAC, surveys, committees, etc.)
- Continual update of the LC facility spreadsheet
- Completion of annual maintenance
- Scheduled building walkthrough reviews with staff and board
