The FY27 budget also includes approximately $8M to support the first phase of capital improvement projects identified through the District’s Long-Range Facilities Master Planning process to be funded from budget resources. These projects include the construction of a temporary elementary bridge campus to support student learning during the renovation at Glenridge Elementary; installation of a new play surface at Captain Elementary School; field upgrades to Wydown Middle School; improvements to Clayton High School’s Performing Arts Center; and the construction of permanent dugouts and a press box at Adzick Field. “Clayton has a long history of strong financial management, which is reflected in our AAA bond rating from S&P Global Ratings. That rating is the result of years of careful planning and budgeting," said Leo Human, Board treasurer. "More importantly, it positions the District to maintain long-term financial stability while continuing to responsibly invest in the programs, facilities and opportunities that have the greatest impact on students, staff and families.” View the FY27 proposed budget and budget presentation .

Board Approves Balanced Budget for 2026-27 Fiscal Year At its June 3 meeting, the Board of Education approved a balanced budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Through thoughtful financial planning, the budget continues to prioritize the programs and services that support student success. Budget Highlights The District’s FY27 budget for operating expenditures totals $70.7M, representing an increase of 4% over the current fiscal year's expenditure budget, driven by inflation. District revenue continues to be stable, and is sufficient to support District operations. “A budget is one of the most important tools for managing public resources, and this budget was built to not only advance the District’s strategic priorities, but also uphold the sound financial practices our community expects,” said John Brazeal, chief financial officer. Although changes in state and federal funding can create uncertainty for school districts, Clayton’s long-standing financial stability, strong fund balances and ongoing community support help lessen the impact of funding decisions made outside the District. Currently, the District has approximately $22 million in outstanding general obligation debt associated with Proposition W (Wydown Middle School construction), which is scheduled to be fully retired by March 1, 2029. Beginning Fall 2026, the District will begin levying debt to support up to $135 million in projects approved by voters through Proposition O in April 2026.

Currently, the District has approximately $22 million in outstanding general obligation debt associated with Proposition W (Wydown Middle School construction), which is scheduled to be fully retired by March 1, 2029. Beginning Fall 2026, the District will begin levying debt to support up to $135 million in projects approved by voters through Proposition O in April 2026. These projects include the complete renovation of Glenridge Elementary School, construction of a new Learning Lab at Clayton High School to expand opportunities in engineering, applied mathematics, robotics and entrepreneurship, and safety and usability improvements at the Gay Field Athletic Complex. The FY27 budget also includes approximately $8M to support the first phase of capital improvement projects identified through the District’s Long-Range Facilities Master Planning process to be funded from budget resources. These projects include the construction of a temporary elementary bridge campus to support student learning during the renovation at Glenridge Elementary; installation of a new play surface at Captain Elementary School; field upgrades to Wydown Middle School; improvements to Clayton High School’s Performing Arts Center; and the construction of permanent dugouts and a press box at Adzick Field. “Clayton has a long history of strong financial management, which is reflected in our AAA bond rating from S&P Global Ratings.