Board drops planned tax increase and uses savings instead

What happened

In May the district proposed a property tax rate increase worth about $1.75 million a year (11% more tax revenue), mostly to cover a $1.15 million special education shortfall. On June 9, 2026, after getting the state's certified tax rate, the business administrator recommended no increase. The board adopted the budget and will cover the gap from its general fund savings.

Why it matters to families

Special education costs keep rising faster than state and federal money. Using savings avoids a tax hike this year, but the same gap will return next year.

The evidence

June 9, 2026 minutes: the business administrator 'recommended that the Board cover the overage and not increase the tax rate this year,' and the board approved the FY26 final and FY27 budgets unanimously. The May 12 minutes list the proposed $1,745,000 increase and its uses.

The source