Lyons Township High School Ends Year With $3.1M Surplus

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lyons Township High School in Illinois ended its last budget year with a $3.1 million surplus, contrary to earlier projections of a potential $2.9 million deficit due to unusually high health insurance costs. The school's newly released audit showed a $50.2 million fund balance, providing ample cushion even if a deficit had materialized.

Why it matters

The surplus at Lyons Township High School highlights the importance of prudent financial management and maintaining healthy reserve funds, especially for public institutions like schools that rely on taxpayer dollars. The school's ability to weather potential deficits demonstrates sound fiscal practices that can benefit the local community.

The details

According to the school's top finance official, Brian Stachacz, the surplus was due to higher than anticipated revenue and lower than expected expenditures. While the school had initially prepared for a potential deficit of up to $2.9 million, the final audit showed a $3.1 million surplus. Stachacz also noted that health insurance costs have "leveled off" this budget year, after the unusually high costs the previous year.

• The budget year that ended with the $3.1 million surplus was the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
• The school board meeting where the surplus was announced took place on Tuesday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The school board will likely review the surplus and determine how to best allocate the additional funds to support educational programs and infrastructure improvements.