Lodi Board adopts $94.41 million 2025–26 budget, approves 2% tax levy amid debate over reserves and adequacy

The Lodi Board of Education on March 26, 2025, approved the district's 2025'26 budget, a $94,410,446 all-funds proposal that includes a proposed 2% increase in the local tax levy to $39,841,424 and a budgeted general-fund balance appropriation of $2,600,000.

Superintendent D'Amico and interim school business administrator Michael Rinderknecht presented the budget at a public hearing and answered questions from board members and residents. Rinderknecht told the board that the district plans a $2,300,000 withdrawal from the capital reserve to fund several capital projects, and that state aid for the district rose this year by about $1,545,000. He also summarized the district's revenue and appropriation totals and said the district's total all-funds budget is $94,410,446.

Why it matters: the board's vote sets next year's spending and the local tax levy that funds schools. Administrators said the budget funds expanded preschool, technology and safety work, and programs for students with greater needs; opponents on the board urged caution, citing large reserve balances and household affordability concerns.

Most important facts first: Rinderknecht told the board the proposed general-fund tax levy is $39,841,424, a $781,204 (2%) increase the administration said equates to $2.21 per month for an average assessed home of $322,722. He also listed planned capital projects paid from capital reserve dollars, including districtwide sign boards ($315,000), window upgrades with ballistic laminate ($247,500), bathroom security upgrades ($124,355), and work at Lincoln School…