School Town of Munster holds public hearing on 2026 budget, bus replacement and capital projects plan

The School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees opened a public hearing Sept. 24 on the proposed 2026 budget, the 2026–2030 bus replacement plan and the 2026–2028 capital projects fund.

The hearing followed a Sept. 3 public work session on the same topics, and the district submitted the plans to the state's Gateway portal on Sept. 9. The board recessed its special meeting to open the hearing and later closed the hearing without taking a formal vote on the budget or plans.

A member of the public addressed the board during the public comment period, urging the district to note its prior guidance on the tax rate. The commenter said the board had previously aimed to keep the tax rate near $1.41 and estimated the district would instead “end up around approximately 1.27 to 1.28.” The commenter also said the district has averaged about 10 cents under that $1.41 figure for the past several years.

Board members did not take a final vote on the budget, bus replacement or capital projects fund during the meeting; the hearing record was opened and then closed. The board recessed the special meeting to open the public hearing and later reconvened the regular meeting before closing the hearing.

The board announced future meetings and work sessions, including a special meeting and public work session on Sept. 29 and the next regular board meeting on Oct. 6.