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Budget Planning for 2026-27
Growing Together — Centering Students
4J is committed to being as transparent as possible and providing timely updates to our 4J community as it reduces spending for the coming school year’s budget by tens of millions of dollars. This webpage provides detailed information about the budget shortfall and the steps toward closing it. Importantly, it provides ways for the 4J community to stay informed and involved so the district makes needed financial decisions while remaining committed to our top priorities: students’ academic success and social-emotional well-being.
Latest Updates
April 22, 2026: At the second budget committee meeting of the year, Superintendent Miriam Mickelson, Finance Director Matt Brown and other district leaders presented information on updated budget projections, including explanations for the difference between the greater shortfall amount of recent estimates versus the amount used in the planning and community engagement before mid-March. Staff also responded to committee questions posed at the previous meeting, and covered the outlook for various special funds.
Update #8: April 8, 2026
Proposed budget for 2026-27 school year presented
Update 7: March 23, 2026
First budget commitee of the year postponed
Update #6: March 19, 2026
Budget shortfall for coming school year increases with updated projections
Update #5: Feb. 4, 2026
Final of three phases of budget reductions approved
Update #4: Jan. 23, 2026
Final of three phases of budget reductions announced
Update #3: Jan. 9, 2026
Second of three phases of budget reductions announced
Update #2: Dec. 18, 2025
First of three phases of budget reductions announced
Update #1: Nov. 25, 2025
Combined leadership role for coming school year announced