Norris School Board approves 2025–26 property tax request after budget presentation

Unidentified Speaker (S4) presented the district's 2025–26 budget worksheet and told the board the document captures the district's full authority — including rolled-over authority and a 6% figure used for accounting — but that the district is not budgeting to spend all of that authority. "Our tax asking has been reduced for a second year in a row, and our levy rate went down an additional 11¢," S4 said, noting a proposed total levy rate of 0.75398 for 2025–26.

Administrators detailed key budget lines. The general-fund operating budget was listed as $36,297,110 with a property-tax request of $18,181,818; the district described planned uses for rolled-over funds, including replacing roofs, buses and snow equipment from an $850,000 rollover earmarked for depreciation. Officials emphasized that property valuations — which rose about 15% in the district's materials — are set outside the district and influence the levy calculation.

Board members asked clarifying questions about comparisons with other districts, how valuations affect levy calculations and where earmarked rollover money will be spent. After discussion the board moved to approve the property tax request and related motions tied to the 2025–26 budget. The board adopted the tax request in a voice vote and the motion passed.

What happens next: administrators said the district will continue budget monitoring and will present further updates tied to payroll cycles and state aid receipts. The board also noted an upcoming presentation on potential bond planning and additional public communication as part of the budget process.