VIENNA — The Maries R-1 School District ended its 2025-26 fiscal year with a surplus of around $318,831.01 instead of a deficit, according to Superintendent Teresa Messersmith at board’s June 23 meeting.

Messersmith had originally projected a deficit of $60,000 to 70,000, but because she was conservative, the reserve funding will increase. The board approved amending the budget to reflect the accurate expenses and revenue.

The school district started the school year with a reserve of 49.33 percent, which was about $2.67 million. However, Messersmith said that she can’t confirm the exact reserve amount for the 2026-27 budget until the district is audited and receives an annual secretary of the board report (ASBR) in the fall.

The board also approved the 2026-27 budget, with a projected $169,000 deficit. However, because Messersmith didn’t include any property tax revenue from new construction, that amount may change. She said that revenue can vary but was nearly $2 million last year.

The district plans to use its reserve to cover the deficit, but it can balance the budget in the future if it needs to.

“In future years, we can afford to deficit spend this year,” she said.