Solanco School Board adopts $75.9 million general fund budget, raises millage to 13.2708 mills

The Solanco School District Board of Directors on Tuesday approved the district’s final 2025-26 general fund budget, setting total proposed expenditures at $75,900,000 and adopting a proposed millage rate of 13.2708.

The budget presentation, given by Mrs. Tucker, outlined projected revenues of $74,400,000 for 2025-26 and an estimated 2024-25 year-end revenue of $76,000,006.81. The district expects a budgetary gap of roughly $1,500,000 for 2025-26 and a projected $600,000 increase to the fund balance for 2024-25.

Board members were told the budget reflects rising payroll and benefits (63% of total expenditures), a projected 8.1% increase in payroll/benefits for 2025-26, and cost pressures from inflation, higher benefit costs, and uncertain state support. Mrs. Tucker said Solanco currently holds about $10,000,000 in general fund balance, with $6,300,000 committed to various uses. She outlined options to manage the deficit, including a potential $3,000,000 transfer…