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Kansas City, Kansas board adopts $595.2 million 2025–26 budget and votes to exceed revenue-neutral tax rate
Summary
After public comments urging preservation of staff and programs, the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Sept. 9 adopted the 2025–26 budget, approved a resolution to exceed the state—s revenue-neutral tax rate, and set the local option budget at 33%. The board approved a contingency transfer and several contract approvals tied to bond work.
Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Tuesday adopted the USD 500 fiscal 2025–26 budget and approved a resolution authorizing a property tax levy that exceeds the state-calculated revenue-neutral rate.
The board adopted a $595,221,005.66 budget for 2025–26 and approved up to a $3,851,000 transfer from the district—s contingency reserve to the supplemental general fund. The board also approved a local option budget (LOB) at 33% for 2025–26 and authorized architectural agreements for bond projects with Multi Studio Architects.
The vote followed a public hearing during which teachers, parents and residents urged the board to exceed the revenue-neutral rate to avoid deep cuts. Molly Campbell, who identified herself as a resident, district employee and teacher of the year, told the board that proposed savings from remaining revenue-neutral would cost the district $7,700,000 in state aid and lead to 84 job cuts. "These are not just numbers. They are neighbors, and they are colleagues," Campbell said during public comment.
Board President Randy Lopez called the measures to a vote after the hearing. Several board members said they had reviewed budget documents and department reductions before voting. Board member Robert Mylan Jr. said he supported the increase to preserve class sizes, programs and positions. Board member Wanda Brownlee Page and Board member Dr. Wynne said they could not in good faith vote to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, citing the tax burden on district residents.
City and district finance staff walked the board through the proposed budget during the meeting, citing a total USD expenditures figure of $595,221,005.66. The staff presentation and the board—s packet showed the district expects to levy $67,343,309 in 2025 property taxes across funds. The adopted budget statement included a line that subtracts budgeted transfers to arrive at net expenditures and explained that transfers may change if the board adjusts appropriations midyear.
The board passed a resolution citing Kansas statute K.S.A. 79-2988 to authorize a levy that exceeds the revenue-neutral tax rate for financing the 2025–26 budget. After discussion and roll call, the resolution passed; the board also moved to close the public hearing and then to adopt the budget and associated actions.
Other actions approved during the meeting included the AIA A133/A201 agreements with Multi Studio Architects for bond-related projects and the consent agenda items presented. The board set the local option budget percentage at 33% for 2025–26.
Supporters at the hearing framed the vote as protecting students and district staff from cuts that would reduce supports and programs. Opponents and at least two board members said they were concerned about the tax impact on residents, urging further study of budget alternatives and non-staff cuts. Several speakers and board members called for cross-jurisdictional community solutions to housing and tax-base expansion to reduce the long-term local burden.
The board directed staff to proceed under the adopted budget and noted the board will continue budget oversight in upcoming finance meetings and as audits and year-to-date reports are produced.
