Stewartville board adopts 2026 levy, proposes $5.38 million tax levy (3.92% decrease)

The Stewartville School Board on Dec. 1 adopted the district’s proposed 2026 tax levy and certification, setting a proposed total levy of $5,375,773.64 for the 2026 payable period. Finance presenter Dan Shorter told the board the amount represents a decrease of $219,463.57, or about 3.92%, from the previous levy of $5,595,467.21.

Shorter described the components behind the change: a roughly $80,000 reduction in debt-service levy due to debt reduction/excess-levy adjustments, adjustments tied to state funding formulas, and other movements such as a decrease in equity revenue and changes in LTFM. He said state per-pupil formula increases for recent years (2% in one prior year, 2.75% the following year, and 3% projected) are part of the funding backdrop. Enrollment-related adjustments and timing differences in audited versus budgeted figures also contributed to the comparative decrease.

Board members asked whether enrollment declines were the primary driver; Shorter said multiple factors, including adjustments to previous-year estimates and debt-service timing, explain the change. After discussion the board moved and adopted the 2026 levy and certification (motion by Mister Ravenhorst; second by Miss Keever); vote was unanimous 6–0.

The board also discussed levy composition: approximately 55% of the levy supports the general fund, about 3% supports community education, and roughly 42% covers debt service. The board will publish the required Truth in Taxation notices and continue budget work in the coming months.