[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6457748,"mediaKeyId","5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9","parentId",5838864,"title","MSD Martinsville treasurer outlines $58.8M proposed 2026 budget, board schedules adoption Oct. 9","audioSeconds",520,"startMs",224000,"endMs",744000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9&start=224&end=744","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9/thumbnail_224000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6457748/Indiana/MSD-Martinsville-treasurer-outlines-588M-proposed-2026-budget-board-schedules-adoption-Oct-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6457748-85b182fa743331c3cbcf79c5ee786f48/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=pAkuMBkhokyvHvdOM1Wr7d6r9ZzZVHrNPfEIOa5h4T8vpia4zlPShKMa~Vu8aK3g4SHsZD~Z7k9XFxQXpTJJRD~6LdRek3yqAID42xLsnEuhv4lLxWL69-L8nWP5Y5sDBCDdrAadX6P07KyP3yRqOuyzdmvcpQRGWwrHEV4nE8CD-jhRJmciJA12-EevVjWQLCmCOnGy2V2v-fZb~pcSBnZ87MOrQgEhLyhg~c3FA3xCFX83xBibsi4DSoYl-a8GvNaX1Lg7jYM-1Qoc4QCzwYSyOKuEUHDvGr0V3bclR7Ml8X~al1NzpxgkRPYsuAuH4MIciPUok5mdt69hZyjHMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MSD of Martinsville School Board","date","2025-09-19T00:00:00Z","article","Whitney Kuzma, district treasurer for the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville, presented the district’s proposed 2026 budget during a required budget hearing and told the school board the district will seek formal adoption on Oct. 9.

Kuzma said the district’s total proposed budget is approximately $58,800,000, with roughly $33,600,000 (about 57%) in the education fund, $16,300,000 (about 28%) in the operations fund and $8,800,000 (about 15%) in the debt-service fund. She said the district advertises a higher tax rate than it expects to use to allow flexibility during the state review process.

The proposal reflects the district’s budgeting approach of estimating expenses conservatively and revenues modestly: “The budget cycle is 18 months in all,” Kuzma said, noting the district reviews the previous six months and projects the next 12 months when preparing figures.

Why it matters: The education fund pays instructional costs and teacher compensation and is driven primarily by ADM, the district’s enrollment figure. The operations fund is funded largely by property taxes and any transfers from the education fund; those transfers have historically ranged from about 12% to 14% (statutorily capped at 15%). Debt-service funding is supported primarily by property taxes. Kuzma said the district will advertise a higher levy to avoid underestimating revenue, then reduce it during the state’s review.

Key details and next steps
- Proposed total: $58,800,000.
- Education fund: ~$33,600,000 (approx. 57%) — primarily instructional costs and teacher pay tied to ADM.
- Operations fund: ~$16,300,000 (approx. 28%) — facilities, utilities, contracted services and some operational salaries; transfers from education typically 12–14% (statutory cap 15%).
- Debt service: ~$8,800,000 (approx. 15%) — repayment of bonds and lease rental funded by property taxes.
- Board adoption scheduled for Oct. 9; the state Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) will review and is expected to issue the statutory 1782 notice by Dec. 31, per Kuzma’s presentation.

Kuzma explained revenue drivers and risks: average daily membership (ADM) — enrollment measured in February and October — is the largest single revenue source for the education fund; net assessed value (NAV) and circuit-breaker losses affect operations and debt-service capacity; and other revenues such as excise and vehicle taxes, interest, facility rental and local income tax are variable.

Kuzma warned of uncertainties that affect planning: inflation, insurance and salary increases, utility cost volatility, state mandate changes, enrollment shifts and potential litigation. She said the district projects expenses conservatively and revenues on the low side to manage those risks.

Board members raised no objections during the hearing. The board is scheduled to vote to adopt the budget at its Oct. 9 meeting; Kuzma said the district expects DLGF review and issuance of the required notice by Dec. 31.

The treasurer’s presentation and the board’s adoption vote are steps in the statutorily required budget process; Kuzma said the district will continue adjusting the budget during the state review period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MSD of Martinsville School Board Meeting - September 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District treasurer Whitney Kuzma presented a proposed 2026 budget totaling about $58.8 million, with the education fund accounting for roughly 57% and the operations and debt-service funds the remainder. The board will vote to adopt the budget Oct. 9; the Department of Local Government Finance will review and issue the statutory notice by Dec. 31.","taxTitle","MSD Martinsville Schools, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",60277,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6457732,"MSD Martinsville schedules groundbreaking for new elementary; board says taxes were not raised for the project",172,1168000,1340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9&start=1168&end=1340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9/thumbnail_1168000.jpg","/articles/6457732/Indiana/MSD-Martinsville-schedules-groundbreaking-for-new-elementary-board-says-taxes-were-not-raised-for-the-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6457732-7b3664cc55ae449629551495c7634950/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=fvys48zak9YLTy-fQkp0lwJ4NZW3Fd302VGKQTRdPK8QoTBbtlYlm05DPx3c7ABEi8563WAX5UOupzu6sp20nBoWK~p-qwMJrqHhzMleT0yEW6pzIfb~-V9zoZkhLkYXkeziTL~yS6rfp7ETZr7ZxudHJFOlWE2awG~1pjRwD1Z~UhaM2LQ9LhahRAGYYMmtrRve7D3osxpY~3I0aI7FXxyku-w-CmGt4QpoCkq~MXc6uJtGGh7ThlGnvzLtP39qTCkI9s8-T~pdi5b1kwZkxsZIndEJlsC6JKxRKJRcePlo7NyD7Nx30Gcigi2qE0Hjkt~PTYCjMA4LQ4FUH9rClw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville board announced a public groundbreaking for the district’s new elementary school and answered questions about project funding and future facility planning.

Board members said the groundbreaking will take place next Wednesday, the 24th, at 5 p.m.; the Church River Valley parking lot will be used and shuttle buses will transport attendees because parking is limited at the construction site. Attendees will be able to view renderings and hear brief remarks before the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Board members emphasized that the project did not require a tax increase. One board member addressed social media rumors directly: “your taxes did not go up because of the school project,” and said the financing came from existing debt-service capacity within the district budget rather than a targeted levy increase.

Board discussion also previewed additional decisions ahead: staffing at the new school, which existing buildings may close, and plans for public input on redistricting. The board said it expects to seek public engagement on boundary changes and to solicit family participation in redistricting discussions before final decisions are made.

Why it matters
A new elementary school changes the district’s facility footprint and will affect operations, staffing and future maintenance costs. Board members said the project reduces the need to spend a large sum updating multiple aging buildings and preserves operations and education fund balances for teacher compensation and ongoing district needs.

Practical details
- Groundbreaking: next Wednesday, the 24th, at 5 p.m.; Church River Valley parking lot and shuttle buses provided.
- Public input: the district plans outreach on redistricting and staffing decisions; the board encouraged interested families to participate.
- Funding: board members stated that financing came from the district’s existing debt-service capacity and that no tax increase was enacted specifically for the project.","The board invited the public to a groundbreaking for a new elementary school scheduled for the 24th (time: 5 p.m.), said parking and shuttle logistics, reiterated the district did not raise taxes for the project, and previewed upcoming public input on staffing and redistricting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6457737,"Votes at a glance: MSD Martinsville approves consent agenda, field trips, 403(b) adoption agreement and donations",1238,857000,2095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9&start=857&end=2095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9/thumbnail_857000.jpg","/articles/6457737/Indiana/Votes-at-a-glance-MSD-Martinsville-approves-consent-agenda-field-trips-403b-adoption-agreement-and-donations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6457737-ef0b8b13b1c1c94529459f8ac92f3b59/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=D4DChQOzeuCeFRmjdnsX0wKyX7D16oC8WXIWfvT3uajkPJWqxoBNHs1EUe81-4zhBDpb5mJGsYurQtd9xgIQHc1HQBKhhnGghVM76OI0DtodldwtoO3Vl9lDbw1xN3auoeK70j7RXB0Qmuqo5GfPVm6Ls-iXI~-z52U3Kf2uclzuR4iX-fpCJK~P3s5wBq81jzpD81itHozs3wjKXps0OdlFc5euX7adYRh8~Wc-5xeJUrurhS9bF7hxp4ATIa~r0y24swQe5bBk9ux1FYrQUl6SZWPTiO1V9e6oHrUwUQyXIMuiKDw-~DF~2LoQWo9IFXgTvr2mwPYYg9OPsn2inQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville board recorded several routine and substantive approvals during the meeting.

Approvals recorded (motion outcomes)
- Consent agenda: Approved by motion and voice vote.
- Special-session budget hearing: Motion to adjourn the special-session budget hearing was made, seconded and carried (voice vote).
- MHS cross country overnight (IHSA regionals in Evansville): Motion to approve the overnight trip was made, seconded and approved (voice vote). The board’s presentation said the trip is overnight and recommended approval.
- Orchestra overnight (violin/viola festival at Western Kentucky University, November): Motion to approve; no district expenses will be used for the trip; motion carried (voice vote).
- 403(b) adoption agreement adding Edward Jones as an option for staff: Motion to approve the adoption agreement passed on voice vote.
- Budget optimization proposal (professional services): Motion approved (see separate article for discussion).
- Donations (items 3–17 on the agenda): The board accepted multiple donations from community organizations and individuals to various schools and athletics programs; the board read the donors and amounts aloud and approved acceptance by voice vote.

What the record shows
Most motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records the board chair calling the vote and the response “Aye” with no roll-call tallies shown in the excerpt. Specific dollar amounts for each donation were read into the record and are available in the meeting minutes excerpt: examples include $2,500 gifts to Bell Intermediate Academy from the Cowden Foundation, $500 gifts to MHS athletics from several local businesses and a $4,000 donation from FlowSource to MHS athletics.

No public commenters registered to speak on agenda items during the meeting. The board moved to adjourn the regular meeting after closing remarks and the motion carried.","The board approved the consent agenda, two overnight field trips (MHS cross country and orchestra), adoption of a 403(b) plan option adding Edward Jones, and accepted multiple community donations. The board also passed a motion to adjourn the special budget hearing and later adjourned the regular meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6457743,"Board approves budget optimization contract after discussion over in-house ability",424,1511000,1935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9&start=1511&end=1935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9/thumbnail_1511000.jpg","/articles/6457743/Indiana/Board-approves-budget-optimization-contract-after-discussion-over-in-house-ability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6457743-4ad5a8f4c002b56c39e299684b0e587c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=BMhVeOKdBuY3yJRmZc7btvlxCtRN6ZrJD5eD5JJxqe6JBNItbSQlL8wboRuSkjBTnZelsDFSah99l0jbjA9Ve6E7WdQC~e6516-OmFt0fra9tMZfBnhA7NK3MJ7cPP1G2CVLDJRktl1lUbcbqOPF5h1B7weeMTHTWIHklpOj-AXw7ey49agryppoEMfbqTQzGBM4C1-c592hBr7VNI0V-Fb5F-ACNDenX6WO6qD4di~CFe2MlkQxxt71KhLc09ijzUb82B6xGiQXiIEvV6Zx2CQN8-3aaXie2Znsvvi~Ko4dm5FG7LfVmliTwTrmD4DSkf1A2hJp-r3QT0ED3JHr1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville board approved a budget optimization proposal to engage outside professional services for a district-wide efficiency review.

Board members raised questions about whether the district could perform the review internally and about the cost. One board member asked why the work could not be done in-house, citing the expense of contracting the outside firm. District leaders responded that the firm offers specialized tools, experience and a scope the district does not maintain internally.

Superintendent and board members said the firm has helped the district previously with issues such as insurance premiums and interest, and they argued the external review could identify operating efficiencies and produce recommendations that would more than pay for the contract over time. The presenter described the engagement as similar to purchasing a professional service such as legal counsel or financial advisory support — costly but intended to produce savings and limit the risk of budgetary mistakes that are difficult to correct after state filings.

The board moved and seconded the proposal and recorded a voice vote in favor; the motion passed.

What was decided
- The board approved the budget optimization proposal to hire an outside firm (identified in the meeting as a long-standing vendor used by the district). The motion passed on a voice vote.

Context and rationale
District leaders said the firm’s analysis and recommendations can reveal efficiencies the district staff does not have the capacity to detect and that prior work by outside advisors has saved the district money in other areas. Board discussion centered on cost versus return on investment and preserving the district’s fiscal stability during a period of constrained revenues.

The contract will proceed as approved; the board did not specify a detailed dollar amount in the discussion recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt.","The school board approved a budget optimization contract (professional services) with an outside firm, with board members questioning why the work could not be done in-house and district leaders saying the vendor brings specialized expertise and a track record the district lacks internally.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6457728,"Curriculum report: 'Well Wednesday' teacher collaboration and October anti-bullying campaign",157,933000,1090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9&start=933&end=1090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838864-c16a5617963e4911753c05dcd503edb9/thumbnail_933000.jpg","/articles/6457728/Indiana/Curriculum-report-Well-Wednesday-teacher-collaboration-and-October-anti-bullying-campaign","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6457728-46159ef940f78d86d0524bd99ab8dd1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=MqsnG~kL8Vr4Q1Hm4aTdP-VnA8DoqurxstW5zZk37lIjR0WBYf2U2RulowEAdttdDhXDrE4Z4Ilkl6RomsDQd0Ku-nOUfGsFE1gWBFjsKEzHSPTbaa6HPtxxe8gaioZvwuN0hzGRPX6QAKhz3SqD1BL~WHoSa8vNssH1zuA6plVaE4M2ms3nrGnud8Aty4KPN89gTyrhbQdsKnRKKmvqs0wH24tpYYI8ho9xIjQYNxpBkFrI3rdFDCbyySast27Ore0TPbD9eA-n3wixiPH-hDkyQaW1dlZVmBjuBG8QfmGeJGbbLA~IIjm65Z2cgq~vO1i7pFp6d2ZjUc6ewqPtLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Curriculum Director (reporting to the board) described the district’s continuing professional-learning program, \"Well Wednesday,\" and announced a district-wide anti-bullying campaign for October called \"Artesians Choose Kindness.\"

The report said Well Wednesday provides teachers time for professional learning communities (PLCs), confidentiality and test-security training, de-escalation strategies, ALICE safety training and anti-bullying activities designed to improve instruction and student outcomes. The PLCs are described as opportunities for teachers to review student work and data and identify practices to keep students on track.

For October, the district will run \"Artesians Choose Kindness,\" an anti-bullying initiative across all schools. The district will use educational activities, projects, displays, announcements, special presentations, guest speakers, social media and curricular activities. The district plans a rollout newsletter next week to families and staff describing activities; students will have the opportunity to sign an anti-bullying contract and schools will follow up throughout the year.

Additional items in the curriculum report included brief notes about marching band competition (the marching Artesians placed fifth at a recent competition and will compete at Greenwood) and reminders about Grandparents’ Nights at elementary schools and other fall activities.

No board action was required; the report was informational.","District curriculum report described 'Well Wednesday' professional time for teachers and announced an October district-wide anti-bullying campaign, 'Artesians Choose Kindness,' including school activities, an anti-bullying contract for students and a rollout newsletter next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MSD Martinsville treasurer outlines $58.8M proposed 2026 budget, board schedules adoption Oct. 9

MSD Martinsville schedules groundbreaking for new elementary; board says taxes were not raised for the project

Votes at a glance: MSD Martinsville approves consent agenda, field trips, 403(b) adoption agreement and donations

Board approves budget optimization contract after discussion over in-house ability

Curriculum report: 'Well Wednesday' teacher collaboration and October anti-bullying campaign