Provo school board approves 0.007017 tax rate to raise $4.03 million for teacher pay

The Provo City School Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a certified property tax rate of 0.007017 after a truth-in-taxation hearing, a change the district projects will generate $4,034,177 in new tax revenue for fiscal year 2026. Business Administrator Devin Daley, during the hearing, told the board and members of the public that the district faces several cost pressures this year including a 4% increase in the state Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) and a roughly $4.5 million increase in health insurance costs. “We had a 30% increase in our health insurance, which equated to about a 30 or $4,500,000 increase,” Daley said. Daley said the district’s total budget increases for salary and benefits this year are about $7,000,000, with the WPU covering part of that and the proposed tax increase covering the remainder. He explained how the certified rate is calculated and noted that the district’s mill rate fell slightly because property valuations within the city increased: “The double 0 1 7 0 1 7, went down because the valuations in our city went up...they divide that number by the valuation and come up with our rates.” Public commenters voiced support for the increase. Christy Giblin, who identified herself as a teacher at Shoreline Middle School and president of the Provo Education Association, thanked the board for transparency and said she supports measures that help retain teachers. Nathan Hadfield, a parent, said investing in teachers is “one of the best investments that we can make in our community.” Brian Cannon, a resident, expressed support for salary increases but asked the board to continue examining whether recent reorganizations yielded efficiency savings. Board members spoke in favor, tying the increase to teacher recruitment and retention. Board member Melanie Hall said, “I support the proposed property tax increase because it is an investment directly in our teachers and principals and employees, the people who make the greatest difference in our children's education.” Vice President Gina Hales and board members Meg Van Wagonen and Lisa Boyce also described the decision as a balance between supporting educators and stewarding taxpayer dollars; Vice President Hales noted the board’s effort to review programs and look for efficiencies. A motion to approve the certified tax rate was made by board member Meg Van Wagonen and seconded by board member Lisa Boyce. The board conducted a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval: Melanie Hall, Emily Harrison, Meg Van Wagonen, Jennifer Partridge, Gina Hales, Terry McCabe and Lisa Boyce all voted “aye.” Following the vote the board adjourned the truth-in-taxation hearing and convened its regular business meeting. Why it matters: Board members and the business administrator said the increase is intended to help close pay gaps with neighboring districts and offset rising benefit costs, measures they framed as necessary to retain experienced teachers and maintain classroom stability.