Salem‑Keizer board adopts 2025–26 budget, authorizes $15.5 million intra‑year transfer to pursue real estate moves

The Salem‑Keizer School District Board of Directors on June 10 adopted and appropriated the district's 2025–26 budget and, in a separate resolution, authorized transfers of appropriations within fiscal year 2024–25 that include a $15,500,000 reallocation to allow the district to pursue real‑estate opportunities.

Board action came after the formal 25‑26 budget hearing, during which Superintendent Castaneda said the document is the same one reviewed by the budget committee and that it positions the district to expand staffing and services now while requiring careful attention to mid‑ and long‑term financial sustainability.

The budget adoption is the annual statutory step that permits the district to set appropriation limits and impose local property taxes that fund schools; the superintendent and board emphasized the action does not raise new taxes but implements local revenue already collected. Director Maria Hinoza moved to adopt and appropriate the 2025–26 budget and to impose and categorize taxes; Director Ashley seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote; the chair declared the vote unanimous.

In a separate but related corrective resolution, the board approved a transfer of appropriations within fiscal year 2024–25. District staff said the transfer (1) rebalanced personnel costs across funds and (2) included a $15.5 million transfer intended to enable the district to consider real‑estate transactions aimed at improving portfolio, safety, and facility access for students.

During discussion before the adoption vote, Dr. Sandagiri (board director) thanked taxpayers and urged continued oversight, noting a districtwide per‑student figure referenced in committee materials and warning that, despite current expansions, the board must be vigilant about future austerity. Public commenter Jane Tichenall offered praise for the budget and thanked the board and staff for avoiding reductions other districts have had to make.

The board approved both resolutions in separate votes. The superintendent and board members said they would continue to monitor the district's fiscal trajectory and requested ongoing transparency with the community as multi‑year pressures emerge.

Provenance: The board opened the 2025–26 budget hearing and discussed adoption and transfers during the June 10 meeting; the hearing opened near the start of the public‑comment portion and the adoption vote concluded later in the action items segment.