Las Vegas, NV – After months of speculation and denials, the Clark County School District (CCSD) has finally confirmed a significant budget deficit. In a report submitted to the Nevada Department of Education on October 3rd, Interim Superintendent Brenda Larsen-Mitchell acknowledged a potential shortfall of approximately $20 million.

This revelation comes after repeated inquiries from the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jhone Ebert, regarding ongoing budget concerns within the district. CCSD had previously downplayed the severity of the situation, attributing any potential issues to unanticipated expenses like litigation and cybersecurity.

However, the report paints a different picture. Larsen-Mitchell admitted that district officials should have adjusted the fiscal budget as early as January 15th, 2024, to account for mandatory salary increases. “Based on additional information received after January 15, 2024, the District’s good-faith calculation of the averages should have been amended,” the report stated.

This delay in adjusting the budget has contributed significantly to the current deficit. While the 2024 budget was finalized and approved in December 2023, the district now concedes that amendments are necessary.

The news of the $20 million shortfall comes as no surprise to many within the CCSD community. It has previously reported on cost-cutting measures implemented by schools, including the elimination of teaching positions and restrictions on paper usage. However, this is the first time the district has officially attached a dollar figure to the budget concerns.

CCSD has pledged to present a revised fiscal year 2025 budget to the Board of Trustees on December 12th, 2024, which will incorporate the necessary adjustments and allocations. In the meantime, the district plans to complete its fiscal year 2024 budget report by November 1st.

Adding another layer to the situation, CCSD is seeking to hire an external firm to investigate the budget issues, with an estimated cost of $50,000. This move further underscores the seriousness of the financial challenges facing the district.

The confirmation of the $20 million deficit raises serious questions about the district’s financial management and transparency. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders will be demanding answers and accountability from CCSD leadership.

Source: Fox5Vegas