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Newport board certifies 2026–27 budget will not exceed state index, approves reimbursement resolution for rooftop solar costs
Summary
The Newport Board of School Directors adopted a resolution certifying the 2026–27 budget will not exceed the state index (5.6%) and approved a related reimbursement resolution to allow use of bond proceeds and a short-term note to cover upfront capital project costs, including rooftop solar. Votes were unanimous (8–0, 1 absent).
The Newport Board of School Directors voted Jan. 13 to certify that the district’s proposed 2026–27 tax rate will not exceed the state index (5.6%) and to adopt a related resolution allowing reimbursement of the Capital Reserve and/or General Fund from portions of bond proceeds to be issued for capital projects.
Jamison Magaro, the district’s director of finance and operations, told the board the certification is a required step in the annual budget timeline and that the reimbursement resolution provides flexibility for a short-term general obligation note the district is arranging with PFM. Magaro said the short-term note is intended to help cover upfront costs for projects such as the district’s planned rooftop solar work and to reimburse costs already incurred for issuance. “This Resolution certifies we will not go above the state index of 5.6%,” Magaro said when introducing the budget step.
The board also reviewed condensed Condensed Board Summary Reports for November and December 2025. Magaro reported revenues were at about 78.8% compared with a prior-year average of roughly 61%, and expenditures were at roughly 69.5% versus a prior three‑year average near 47.9%, with the increases largely attributable to ongoing capital projects. The statements and the resolution to commit fund balances were approved by roll call (8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent).
Superintendent Ryan Neuhard distributed his district report and highlighted that the Newport Buffalo Foundation awarded $28,523 in classroom grants during the 2025–26 year and provided four $500 scholarships to students; the foundation is also offering an option for staff to have payroll deductions for donations. Neuhard also previewed scheduling and logistics for Keystone testing.
What happens next: the certification allows the district to proceed to its proposed final budget and then to the final budget adoption process later in the spring. The board set the next regular meeting for Mar. 10, 2026, when further budget steps may appear on the agenda.
