The Excelsior Springs School District approved a nearly balanced $44.2 million budget after district officials spent months reducing projected deficit spending through cuts, attrition and refinancing tied to existing lease-purchase debt.The Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and a resolution authorizing lease-purchase refinancing during a recent meeting. District administrators said the refinancing plan is expected to provide short-term budget relief as schools across Missouri continue facing reduced state funding, rising operational costs and long-term facility obligations tied to previous construction projects.When the district approved its fiscal year 202526 budget last year, administrators projected approximately $2.26 million in deficit spending.Superintendent Dr. Mark Bullimore told the board the district spent the past year making strategic reductions, identifying operational efficiencies and adjusting long-term fi...