Hiawatha board reviews FY26 budget options, considers higher capital levy and schedules extra meetings before Sept. 8 hearing

The Hiawatha School Board on Monday discussed fiscal year 2026 budget proposals that would raise the district's total mill rate slightly above the county's revenue-neutral level to increase Capital Outlay funding and cover rising payroll and maintenance costs.

Superintendent: "The budget is merely a projection," the superintendent told the board, adding the district typically budgets a small enrollment buffer and that the base state aid per pupil rose from 5,378 to 5,615 this year. He recommended keeping the supplemental general (LOB) at 31 percent of the general fund while restoring Capital Outlay toward prior levels.

Board members heard two Capital Outlay options: returning the Capital Outlay levy to 6 mills, which the superintendent estimated would bring roughly $102,000 to the fund, or a midpoint of 5.625 mills, which would bring roughly $45,319. The superintendent said the recommended package would raise the district's proposed total mill rate to…