February 10, 2026 – Last night, a packed room at the Mexico Middle School library gathered for our “Let’s Talk Finance” community meeting led by Superintendent Dr. Troy Lentz alongside Chamber Executive Director Dana Keller. 

The evening discussion took a dive into our district’s budget: where we are now, what’s ahead, and how proposed legislation could affect Mexico Public Schools.

The presentation walked attendees through how the district tracks finances using Missouri’s four-fund system, transaction coding, ASBR reporting, and annual audits, and how revenue from local, county, state, and federal sources supports daily operations.

A major focus of the evening centered on the certified salary schedule and how Mexico Public Schools works to remain competitive in attracting and retaining quality educators. Dr. Lentz shared how the salary schedule is built each spring, why it is important to have it in front of teachers by March, and how proposed improvements for next year will be presented to the Board of Education for approval. Attendees reviewed salary comparisons with surrounding districts, saw where Mexico leads at both the starting and top steps, and discussed the financial impact of investing in staff. The room was challenged to think through an important question: How do we continue to stay competitive in both the education world and our local job market while responsibly managing fund balances?

The conversation also highlighted district fund balance, essentially the district’s financial safety net. Board policy calls for 20–30% of annual expenditures to be maintained. Current balances, planned deficit spending, and long-term projections were reviewed to show how salary improvements, inflation impacts to supplies and services, and facility needs all connect to the district’s financial picture. Participants saw how77% of the district’s budget is invested in people, reinforcing that staffing remains the district’s top priority.

The evening concluded with round-table feedback through a four-question survey on district priorities, facilities wishes beyond the 2024 bond work, and support for the board’s fund balance policy, followed by a tour of the new kitchen and classroom addition. The tour helped connect the financial discussion to the real spaces our students and staff use every day.