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Bennington administration previews 2025-26 budget, projects 8% valuation increase and modest enrollment growth
Summary
District administrators told the board they are using an 8% valuation projection for 2025-26, expect about $153,000 less in state equalization aid than last year, and reported preliminary July 1 enrollment of about 4,411 K-12 students plus 75 preschoolers; final valuations are expected in early August, triggering tight September budget deadlines.
Bennington Public Schools administrators on July 14 outlined the district's preliminary budget outlook and enrollment figures as the district prepares for September budget deadlines.
An administrator said the district is assuming an 8% increase in assessed valuation for planning purposes while noting the official county valuation notice is expected around Aug. 1. The same presentation reported the district expects to receive about $153,000 less in state equalization aid this year compared with the prior year, explaining that increases in local valuation reduce state aid under the equalization formula.
On enrollment, administrators reported the July 1 rollover shows about 4,411 K-12 students and 75 preschool students (roughly 4,486 total), an increase of about 140 students from the same date last year. Presenters cautioned these counts are preliminary because some families have not completed enrollments or requested records transfers; the district plans to publish a more accurate first-day enrollment count closer to the start of school.
Administrators reviewed the budget timeline: valuation confirmation in early August, a Sept. 5 deadline to determine whether revenue increases exceed 2% (which would trigger a joint public hearing), a potential joint hearing on Sept. 17 at Douglas County offices, and final board approval and submission to the county by Sept. 30. The administration urged the board to expect a compressed window of hearings and approvals in mid- to late September.
The board heard the preview to inform fall budget decisions and the discussion will continue at upcoming budget-retreat and regular meetings in August and September.
