Waunakee budget committee presents 2025–26 draft tied to state funding gains but flags property tax pressure

Waunakee Community School District staff told the district budget committee on Jan. 9 they will present a 2025–26 budget to the full school board that reflects recent state budget agreements — including higher special education reimbursements and increased open‑enrollment funding — while flagging a likely increase in the district’s property tax levy.

“We’re going to be able to present to the public the accurate version of our budget based on the final state budget,” said Steve Summers, staff member, who led the committee presentation. Summers told the committee the district has placed most new spendable resources into long‑term financial priorities identified in prior board workshops.

The committee was asked to review and forward a third draft of the 2025–26 budget to the full board for approval as the district’s “annual meeting” version. The committee moved and approved sending that draft to the board, with the board scheduled to consider a final budget and tax levy in October after the district confirms its September student count and the state posts final equalized property values.

Why it matters: The state budget changes create a mix of new revenue and local tax pressure. Summers described the changes as “two sides of a coin.” On the upside, the state increased reimbursements for special…