Pewaukee School Board adopts $28.41 million levy, approves revised 2025‑26 budget and $2 million line of credit
Loading...
Summary
The board approved a $28,406,228 all‑funds tax levy and adopted a revised 2025‑26 budget (operating budget reduced roughly $180,000 from the preliminary plan). The board also authorized a taxable tax and revenue anticipation promissory note (a line of credit) not to exceed $2,000,000 to manage cash‑flow between tax instalments.
The Pewaukee School District Board on Monday approved the district's 2025‑26 all‑funds tax levy of $28,406,228 and adopted a revised operating budget after a presentation on state funding changes and local impacts.
John, the district's business official, said three data points drive the budget process: the third‑Friday pupil count, the certified property valuations, and the October 15 equalization aid certification. He told the board the 2025 state budget produced a mixed set of impacts: a projected increase in special education reimbursement (from about 29% toward 42% of prior‑year costs), a roughly $1,000 increase in open‑enrollment reimbursement, but no added equalization aid and a lost $90 per‑pupil revenue increase the district had anticipated.
"No aid was put in the pot; property taxes make up the difference," John said, explaining that the absence of additional equalization aid shifted more of the revenue burden to local taxpayers. He said the net operating budget approved Monday was roughly $180,000 lower than the preliminary budget presented earlier in the process.
The board moved and seconded the tax levy motion and approved the $28,406,228 levy. Following the levy motion the board moved and seconded to approve the revised original budget for 2025‑26 and to include the budget summary in the official minutes.
The board also approved an annual financing action to manage cash flow: a resolution authorizing a taxable tax and revenue anticipation promissory note (a line of credit) not to exceed $2,000,000 with Town Bank N.A., a Wintrust Community Bank. John said the district has used short draws on this line in recent years to reduce interest costs and provide a safety net for unpredictable cash demands, including self‑insured claims.
Votes at a glance:
- Adopted all‑funds tax levy of $28,406,228 for 2025‑26: motion carried (recorded as in favor; one member voiced opposition during roll call).
- Approved revised original budget for 2025‑26: motion carried (one member voiced opposition).
- Authorized taxable tax and revenue anticipation note (line of credit) not to exceed $2,000,000: motion carried (one member abstained).
Why it matters: The levy and budget set tax and spending levels for the coming school year. Board discussion emphasized that changes in the state biennial budget, including special education reimbursement and the distribution of equalization aid, materially affected local tax obligations.
What's next: The district will finalize levy certification with local authorities and continue budget monitoring; administration will provide follow‑up details on audit timing if the board moves the December meeting date.
