Carmel superintendent warns next budget may require millions in cuts

What happened

Superintendent warned that a budget with no tax increase and no reserve use could require about $4 million in cuts; even a 2% tax increase would still leave roughly $2 million in cuts. He said continued reliance on reserves without other changes could leave the district out of money in four to five years.

Why it matters to families

These are planning scenarios, not approved tax changes or cuts, but the superintendent said deep cuts could mean fewer courses and sports for students and deferred facility maintenance. Budget discussions are continuing, so families may see these tradeoffs return in future meetings.

The evidence

At the November 10, 2026 board meeting, the superintendent said a zero-increase budget without reserve use would require about $4 million in cuts, including fewer courses and sports and deferred maintenance. He said a 2% tax increase would still require about $2 million in cuts, and that continuing to use reserves to cover increases without other changes could exhaust district funds in four to five years. No budget or tax plan was adopted at this meeting.

The source