Lockport Township HSD 205 adopts $87 million FY2026 budget; district expects higher levy as property values rise

Superintendent Dr. Bob McBride said the Lockport Township High School District 205 board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, a plan totaling $87,000,000, by a 7-0 vote.

McBride described the budget as focused on student needs and said the district’s tax rate is 1.72, which he said is among the lowest for township high schools in the Chicagoland area. He cautioned that while the district sets the tax rate, it does not control local assessed property values; township assessors are forecasting increases of roughly 6%–7% in the next tax cycle, and new homes added to the tax roll also raise levy revenue.

As a result, McBride said the district expects a 4% increase in its tax levy because increased assessed values and new construction will generate more revenue even at the same tax rate. He said the board will set the tax levy later in the fall and approve the levy in December (materials presented to the board indicated levy activity in November and December).

On the budget and tax messaging, McBride said the district was working to be transparent and fiscally responsible: “We are doing our part to be very good financial stewards of your hard earned money and what you contribute in terms of your treasure to support and educate our youth.”

The superintendent did not provide a line-item breakdown in the briefing; he said costs associated with the proposed schedule change were part of materials given to the board.