Beacon City School District unveils $87.7 million budget; board outlines ballot, capital project and contingency risks

The Beacon City School District Board of Education held a public budget hearing May 5, 2025, on a proposed $87,720,000 budget that would raise the district’s tax levy to the tax cap and increase spending 4.61% from the previous year.

Anne Marie, staff member, who led the financial presentation, told the board the district used the governor’s estimated state-aid figure because the state budget had not been finalized: “We’re using the governor’s number. We’re hoping that’s the most conservative.” She said the uncertainty limits the district’s ability to change the budget before the May 20 vote.

The proposed spending plan includes ongoing investments the district described as reflecting its priorities in academic programs, community engagement, student mental-health supports and facilities. The presentation cited a sustained, multi-year reduction in elementary class sizes (now averaging 17–18 students) and expansions in music, extracurriculars and pre-K programming. The budget also carries costs tied to the capital project voters approved last year.

Why it matters: the budget would require a simple majority to pass and, if it fails twice, the district would be forced into a contingency budget. Ann Marie said a contingency scenario this year would require roughly $2,400,000 in…