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New Prague board discusses operating levy, bond options to cover budget gaps; orders community survey
Summary
School board reviewed FY26 budget assumptions, discussed an operating levy and a facilities bond to address staffing and deferred maintenance shortfalls, and directed staff to run a community survey before deciding on a possible referendum.
The New Prague Area Schools Board of Education discussed options to raise local revenue on Tuesday as administrators presented FY26 budget assumptions and possible referendum scenarios.
Director of Business Services Bridal presented preliminary budget assumptions and said the district has already cut $6.6 million in structural adjustments over the last two years. “We have made $6,600,000 in structural budget adjustments or budget cuts the last 2 years,” Bridal said, and noted the district’s audited unassigned fund balance of 10.4% at the end of FY24. Bridal projected an enrollment decline of about 86 students for FY26 and described staffing changes that would produce about $520,000 in savings through roughly 6.5 elementary full‑time equivalent reductions.
Board members framed three broad paths: do nothing and prioritize future reductions; wait for state or federal funding; or seek local funding through a referendum. Two local options presented were (a) a $2 million‑a‑year operating levy for 10 years ($20 million total) to help maintain positions and programs, and (b) a building bond (examples discussed were $20–$30 million) with proceeds directed first to safety and security upgrades (estimated at roughly $5 million) and then to deferred maintenance.
Why it matters: administrators said enrollment and state aid drive staffing and long‑term operating stability. The district projects lower compensatory revenue next year as free‑and‑reduced counts fell from 20% to 17%, and Bridal warned that declining enrollment would continue to pressure the operating budget.
Board reaction and next steps: Directors expressed differing priorities but a common desire for more public input. Director Dan Call said getting ahead of structural shortfalls was important and urged the board to commit to changes the community could evaluate. Director Schmidt and Vice Chair Oldham voiced support for pursuing local funding; other board members emphasized safety, security and maintaining program quality. Dr. Volmuth and staff clarified that the $20 million figure represented $2 million per year for 10 years.
The board directed administrators to run a community survey in the coming weeks to test public response and to provide updated tax‑impact estimates; staff will also explore ballot timing and outreach plans. Board members said they expect to aim for a final decision by June or July, with additional stakeholder engagement for staff and families before any public measure is placed on the ballot.
No final levy or bond question was certified at the meeting; the board’s action was to gather more community data and return with refined figures and timelines.
