SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Springfield Public Schools District 186 School Board passed its fiscal year 2026 budget with a nearly $18 million deficit at Monday's special meeting.

The passage comes after the board has already cut $3 million to the 2026 budget. Any further cuts approved by the board will be applied to the fiscal year 2027 budget, according to Steve Miller, District 186 Director of Business, Finance and Operations.

"Our goal like always is to tighten our belts, or continue to tighten our belts," Miller said.

Miller, in response to a question from a board member, said the district is working to spend below its budgeted amounts to lower the district's deficit. He also said cutting people or programs isn't feasible at this point in the school year.

The board approved the

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