2027 budget of $99 million; tax rate to rise about 5 cents

What happened

The district's 2027 budget notice lists $98.95 million in spending, including $46.7 million for teaching and $13 million from the voter-approved referendum. At the October 12 hearing the finance officer said the combined tax rate would rise about 5 cents while state tax changes push property values down about 3.5% a year. The operations levy goes up 6%. Adoption was set for October 26.

Why it matters to families

State tax changes cost the district about $2.2 million in 2026, and leaders say the referendum alone cannot cover building and bus needs.

The evidence

Budget Form 3 lists each fund's budget and levy (operations levy up 6.02%, debt service down 4.69%). The October 12 and January 12, 2026 recordings explain the tax-rate change and the cost of the homestead credit and tax caps.

The source