Board to adopt $519.1 million 2026-27 budget and a $122.6 million tax levy

What happened

The proposed 2026-27 budget totals $519.1 million across all funds, with a tax rate of about $8.07 per $1,000 of property value. The board's Oct. 26 special meeting agenda lists adoption of the budget and a 2026-27 tax levy of $122,609,226. The Oct. 26 minutes are not yet posted, so the result is not confirmed here.

Why it matters to families

The levy is the property tax families and homeowners pay for the schools. State aid did not increase, so the budget leans on property taxes. The state allows $325 more per student, but the district counted 132 fewer students (full-time equivalent) in September.

The evidence

The Oct. 26 adopted-budget presentation shows the Fund 10 tax levy rising from $106.8 million (interim) to $108.4 million, general aid falling from $209.8 million to $208.0 million, and about $2.7 million more levy for private school vouchers. The Sept. 28 hearing deck gives the $519.1 million total.

The source