A primary consequence of comprehensive forecasting is to:

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Forecasting in school finance is about looking ahead to map when money will come in and when it will be spent, so leaders can plan and make informed choices. A comprehensive forecast helps anticipate future revenue and expenditures, which supports decisions about staffing, programs, facilities, and capital needs, as well as cash flow and reserves. This forward-looking view keeps the district prepared for changes in enrollment, state funding, grant availability, and ongoing costs, enabling smarter budgeting and long-range planning.

Predicting the consumer price index is a specific economic indicator that might be used as one input, but it doesn’t capture the full financial picture a comprehensive forecast aims to address. Planning for facility maintenance only is too narrow a focus, and limiting public reporting would undermine the purpose of transparent, informed decision-making.