Superintendent Sam Russ told the board the district is entering the final year of a $750,000 operating referendum and faces a projected roughly $2.3 million deficit for 2026–27, leaving about a $1.2 million shortfall after using planned revenue stabilization.

The discussion centered on whether to place an operating referendum on the April ballot, delay to November, or pursue another structure. "This is the last year of a $750,000 operating referendum," Russ said, and he outlined that, if the board uses fund balance and the current preliminary budget holds, the district would still face an approximate $1.2 million gap for 2026–27 and a recurring structural shortfall thereafter.

Board members debated the size and length of a potential ask and how best to persuade voters. A proposal discussed by one board member described a roughly $7.29 mill-rate ask that would yield about $1.0–$1.1 million annually and was characterized by its sponsor as "digestible" for voters. Several members urged caution: Miss Lopez said the public’s "tax tolerance" may already be strained and recommended early, year‑round outreach rather than last‑minute campaigning. "I know that the school district has done so much to cut their budget... but something is not resonating with the community," she said, urging surveys and more sustained communication.

Board members also raised operational alternatives if the board did not put an ask on the ballot or if the question failed: targeted reductions that would need to be planned by mid‑May (the timeline for staff-contract notices), use of remaining fund balance, and potential efficiencies such as different transportation scheduling. Mr. Russ noted legal deadlines: whatever the board decides, the resolution language must be finalized by January to meet statutory requirements if the board intends an April referendum.

Several board members recommended using a professional survey (school perceptions or mailed tax‑tolerance polls) and stepped communications—regular video features and outreach to community groups—to build broader awareness of the budget drivers. Board members who supported an April ask said it gives the district time to return to voters in November if needed and that November typically draws higher turnout; others said November would simply shift the same political pressure and still require extensive outreach.

Next steps: administration and the board agreed to continue work in committee, run budget scenarios showing specific mill‑rate impacts, and consider a professional survey and more detailed community engagement plans at the December committee meeting. No formal action was taken at tonight’s meeting.