The School Board of Union County held a roughly one-hour workshop on Tuesday night, with the meeting focused on financial planning for the 2026-27 fiscal year. 

Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas determined that both Union and Glades counties’ school districts are in a state of financial emergency after both districts reported fund balances that fell below the 2% threshold required by state law. 

In an email reply to Mainstreet on April 7, Union County Superintendent Mike Ripplinger said the primary factor that resulted in the district’s fund balance dropping below 2% was declining enrollment. 

“This trend has occurred for the past couple of years and has grown, along with the rise of scholarship funds from the state for those seeking other educational opportunities, such as private schools and homeschool settings,” he said in the email. 

Ripplinger notified Kamoutsas in a March 4 letter that the district’s assigned and unassigned general fund balances fell below 2% as of June 2025, according to written communication between the two. It is projected to remain below the 2% threshold as of June 2026, despite efforts by the district to reduce costs and cut positions.  

During an emergency conference call on April 2, the Florida State Board of Education appointed a three-member financial emergency board “to provide fiscal oversight and accountability” for Union and Glades counties’ school districts, according to Nathalia Medina, the press secretary for the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). 

Suzanne Pridgeon, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Operations for the FDOE, said during the conference call that the financial emergency board will work with both school districts, reviewing each of their operations, management and finances, along with making recommendations for financial recovery. 

At Tuesday’s workshop, Deborah Parrish, director of finance for the Union County School District, provided the board with an overview of the district’s projected budget for 2026-27. The district is still waiting to see exactly how much funding it will receive from the state. Florida lawmakers failed to come to an agreement on a state budget during the 60-day regular legislative session in March, but Parrish said the financial emergency board requested that the district create a budget as it begins to plan for next year. 

Education played a big part in Florida’s 2025-26 budget, with a total funding of $31.5 billion, according to the Florida Policy Institute. This included funding for early learning, K-12 and higher education.  

Lawmakers are expected to meet again for a special session from May 12-29 to finalize Florida’s budget for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1. By law, Parrish said lawmakers have until June 30 to complete the budget. 

With the state budget yet to be finalized, Parrish provided the board with projections for the district’s 2026-27 budget, highlighting potential revenue sources and cuts. Based on her projected numbers, Parrish said the district would start with a budget of $18.2 million. This would be lower than its estimated budget of $19.2 million last year. 

Parrish said they are looking at every position in the district, including what positions are going to be necessary when Lake Butler Middle School combines with Union County High School as part of a restructuring plan next school year. The merger will make Union County High a sixth- to 12th-grade campus.  

As part of the restructuring plan, Ripplinger previously told Mainstreet that fifth grade, which is currently located at Lake Butler Middle School, will also move to Lake Butler Elementary School, making it a Pre-K-5.  

Parrish said the district is looking at other ways to save, including technology, sporting events and transportation. 

“This is all still projected,” Parrish said. “And not only will I have to bring it [the budget] back to our board, [but] we will also have to get it approved by the [financial] emergency board. So, this is where we stand right now. Once we have contracts negotiated, we have things approved, we’ll be able to work on appropriations and come back and let you know exactly what we’re looking at for next year.” 

Ripplinger said the district met with the financial emergency board last week and will meet with the board again on Wednesday. He stated that he’s “hopeful” the district will have a budget for next year “sooner rather than later” to begin making decisions that need to be made.  

“It’s time to start moving forward so clarity can be provided,” Ripplinger said.  

Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.