2026-27 budget raises taxes above the revenue neutral rate

What happened

The proposed 2026-27 budget would levy $1,542,517 in property tax at about 52.5 mills, above the revenue neutral rate of 50.482 mills. That means more tax money than last year. Total spending authority is $24.5 million, up from $17.7 million spent in 2025-26, mostly because of the online school. A public hearing was set for September 14, 2026.

Why it matters to families

Going above the revenue neutral rate means local property taxes for the schools go up. Kansas law requires a public hearing and a separate vote before a district can do that.

The evidence

The 2026-27 Notice of Hearing and Notice of Exceeding Revenue Neutral Rate lists total expenditures of $24,490,141, taxes to be levied of $1,542,517, an estimated 52.493 mills, and a revenue neutral rate of 50.482 mills. August 10, 2026 minutes record the 7-0 vote to publish it.

The source