The Haines Borough School District’s finances aren’t as rosy as some might think, interim superintendent Rich Carlson said this week.

Carlson, who last month reported the district was holding a $906,000 balance in its general fund, told the school board Tuesday that a preliminary look at next year’s budget suggests a shortfall more than half that amount.

“We may well be looking at a deficit next year around or in excess of $500,000. I want…