Board sends $286.8 million budget, up 5.7%, to voters

What happened

On April 15, 2026, the board adopted a 2026-27 budget of $286,776,667. That is $15.5 million (5.71%) more than this year's $271,288,003. The tax levy would rise 2.86% ($4.6 million) to $166,103,024, and state Foundation Aid stays flat. Staff said all programs and class sizes would be kept. If voters said no, a no-increase contingency budget could force cuts.

Why it matters to families

The budget sets school taxes and what the schools can pay for. Staff named special education, transportation, insurance and pensions as the main cost increases, while fewer students means less state aid.

The evidence

In the recording and budget presentation, the business official gave the $286,776,667 total, the 5.71% change, the 2.86% levy increase and the contingency budget with no levy increase. The proposed budget document says it was adopted by the board on 4/15/2026.

The source