Board fails to authorize tax levy above revenue-neutral rate, leaving 2026–27 budget unapproved

What happened

At its September 15 meeting, the Gardner Edgerton board voted 3–2, with one member absent, on a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral property-tax rate for the 2026–27 budget. The resolution failed because it did not receive the required four votes, and district staff said the board therefore had no budget to approve.

Why it matters to families

The failed resolution prevents approval of the proposed 2026–27 operating budget at this meeting and leaves the district's budget and associated tax-levy authority unresolved. The board will need to determine how to proceed, which could affect district finances and operations.

The evidence

In the official board-meeting transcript, the resolution states that financing the 2026–27 USD 231 budget would exceed the revenue-neutral tax rate. The roll call recorded yes votes from Julie Aldridge, Keith Freeman, and Katie Williams; no votes from Jeff Miller and Lena Sutton; Thomas Redden was absent. The presiding officer then said the motion did not pass, and under item 13.1 staff stated: “since we didn't have four votes to exceed revenue neutral, we do not have a budget to approve.”

The source