Pine‑Richland board advertises budget with no millage increase after heated public debate; library purchase approved

The Pine‑Richland School District Board of School Directors voted 6‑3 on May 12 to advertise the district's proposed final general fund budget for 2025–26 with no millage increase, after a night of extended public comment and sustained debate among board members and district leadership.

Superintendent Dr. Miller urged the board to consider a 2.1% millage increase he and administration had recommended to preserve academic and extracurricular programs, calling the higher figure a way to limit recurring structural deficits. The board instead voted to advertise a budget that keeps the current tax rate in place and will revisit the final vote at its June meeting.

The vote matters because administration projected that a modest increase now would generate recurring revenue that helps limit deeper cuts later; administration estimated a 2.1% increase would raise roughly $1.36 million. Board members who supported advertising a flat millage said advertising no increase preserves flexibility through the public notice period and reflects the direction given at an earlier finance meeting.

Public comments at the meeting were heavily focused on the millage question and the prospect of staff reductions. Parents, students and community members described the proposals to trim staffing and programs as immediate threats to special education supports, arts and music programs and class sizes. Student speakers urged the board to prioritize classroom…