District projects 16% levy increase as budget hearing approaches

District administration told the Stevens Point Area Public School District board that the draft 2025‑26 budget currently projects about a 16% increase in the total tax levy, with an estimated levy rate of $6.92 per $1,000 of assessed value if the current figures hold.

Administrators said roughly $5.25 million of the levy increase reflects funding authorized by the recent operating referendum, with about $1.6 million attributable to the state’s $325 per‑pupil increase that districts were asked to absorb locally because the state did not provide matching general aid.

Why it matters: A 16% levy increase affects local property taxpayers and sets up the board’s formal levy and budget decisions. The district scheduled a public budget hearing for Oct. 27 and asked residents with questions to contact district administration ahead of that meeting.

Key points reported to the board - Projected levy rate: $6.92 per $1,000 (approximately 4 cents lower than a prior referendum projection of $6.96 per $1,000, if figures remain stable). - Levy increase: approximately $6.9 million total; $5.25 million from the referendum and $1.6 million from increased per‑pupil funding expected to be financed locally. - Timing: October 15 is a key date when state certification and private school voucher counts typically finalize figures; staff said those numbers are the last pieces for the final budget.

Federal funding note Board members raised questions after recent federal staffing announcements affecting the U.S. Department of Education. Administration reported that Wisconsin’s federal IDEA and TRIO allocations for the current year had not been impacted and that any federal changes would be monitored for potential effects in 2026‑27.

Next steps The district will present final figures at the Oct. 27 budget hearing before the board votes on levy and budget items.