Bennington Public Schools proposes $140.1 million 2025-26 budget; tax request about $42 million, levy unchanged

Bennington Public Schools presented its proposed 2025‑26 budget at a special budget hearing Sept. 8, asking for $140,138,659 in total budget authority and a tax request of $42,036,377 while saying the district’s combined levy would remain unchanged at $1.35.8.

The district’s budget summary showed a $56,980,007 general‑fund request, special‑building funds of $56,458,806, bond funds of $17,583,315 and a QCPUF balance of $700,638. “I’d like to note that this is the NDE budget,” the district presenter said, referring to the Nebraska Department of Education submission and describing it as a worst‑case scenario the district does not expect to fully spend.

The budget presentation centered on three revenue dynamics: rapid local property valuation growth, state equalization aid and a 30% property‑tax credit the state reimburses to taxpayers. District staff told the board the district’s total valuation rose to about $3,000,000,096 — an increase of roughly 9.3% year over year —…