Ryan Neely briefed the board on the district’s budget timeline and the Act 1 index that will guide millage considerations for 2026–27.

Neely said the state has set the Act 1 index for the next school year at 4.5%. "By adopting this resolution, we would be agreeing to adjust our millage by no more than 4.5% for the next school year," he said, and he noted this index is equivalent to approximately 1.246 mills. He emphasized that the resolution only sets a maximum potential increase; the actual millage decision will be made in June.

Neely walked the board through a tentative schedule: early January will bring an initial review of revenue and debt service; February through early April will host school and department budget presentations; districtwide budget information will be reviewed in the second April meeting; a proposed final budget will be presented May 19 and the board plans to vote on the final budget and millage at the June 23 meeting. He also said the district will work with PFM and Dinsmore Shoal on steps tied to issuance of the next bond as the campus construction process continues.

Board members had an opportunity to ask questions and were invited to provide feedback on the proposed timeline. Neely said he will coordinate preliminary financing steps with PFM and outside counsel in the coming months.