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District previews preliminary 2026–27 budget; staff warn outcome depends on state actions
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Summary
Finance director outlined a preliminary 2026–27 budget and levy projection, noting a projected ~$2 million fund position (with committed balances), possible additional state aid of about $10 million, and a preliminary estimate of a 2% levy decrease and a 6.3% mill‑rate drop depending on final state decisions.
Aaron Norris, the district’s finance lead, presented a preliminary look at the 2026–27 budget and tax‑levy projection at the April 13 meeting.
Norris said the district is operating in the second year of a biennium and that many assumptions remain preliminary, but he offered several key points: special‑education reimbursement is projected at roughly 39.5% under the current method; the state’s biennial budget and potential high‑cost claim submissions will materially affect district aid; and current modeling shows approximately $2 million before committed balances, with much of the planned compensation model and school transformation spending funded from committed fund balance.
Norris highlighted that state actions could change the outlook significantly. He said the district is projecting an additional roughly $10 million in state aid based on increases in shared costs and prior referendum treatment but noted the figure depends on state decisions between July and October. He also said high‑cost claim reimbursements and whether large districts submit claims will influence the district’s reimbursement amount.
Budget assumptions presented included continuing the district compensation model commitments, a projected general salary increase range for employees, and a planning assumption for health‑insurance and other benefits. Norris estimated the preliminary levy could decrease by about 2%, with a possible mill‑rate decrease of about 6.3% contingent on equalized property value changes and final state aid amounts.
Board members asked about the effect of a pending reassessment in parts of the district and strategies to use transfers and fund balances to be aid‑neutral; Norris said staff would return with more detailed amendments and projections in May and June.
Norris also described a $450,000 staffing estimate and $50,000 professional‑development allocation tied to the Horace Mann transformation plan, and he described transfer‑of‑service claims and staffing linked to student transfers and IDEA obligations.
No formal budget decisions were taken at the meeting; the board will consider amendments and a final adopted budget later in the spring.
