Despite continued uncertainty surrounding state funding and operational costs, the Excelsior Springs School District is maintaining its operating reserves while reducing its projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2027.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the first revision to its FY27 budget during a recent meeting, following a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Mark Bullimore outlining updated revenue and expenditure projections, debt-refunding savings and plans for future capital improvements.

Under the revised budget, projected revenue increased by $403,612 to approximately $43.9 million, while anticipated expenditures rose by $29,973 to about $44.3 million, according to district documents. Those adjustments reduced the projected budget shortfall from $758,867 to $385,228, an improvement of $373,639.

The revision also reflects the district’s FY26 financial results, which ended with a surplus of $171,342.

Bullimore reported the district’s projected operating fund balance for …