Gateway board approves 30‑day public display of $98.16 million 2026–27 proposed budget

The Gateway School District board voted to approve the 2026–27 proposed general fund budget for a 30‑day public display, putting a $98,159,512 proposal before the community for review.

District staff presented the proposed final general fund budget and described it as reflecting a decrease in expenditures of $14,869 from the 2025–26 fiscal year. The proposal does not raise the district’s real estate millage rate; administration recorded the rate as 25.2718 mills, which the presenter said is equivalent to $2,527.18 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Board members asked clarifying questions about whether a previously discussed bond issue was included in this presentation; administration confirmed the bond advertisement process is being handled separately and the bond proposal will be brought forward as an action item at the next meeting. The motion before the board on this night was limited to approving the 30‑day public display of the proposed budget.

The board conducted a voice vote on the 30‑day display motion; the chair called for the ayes and no opposition was recorded. The district announced the proposal will be available for public inspection during the 30‑day display period and any formal adoption or tax‑rate decisions will follow the public comment period and required procedures.

Next steps indicated by administration included continuing the public notification process and scheduling the bond action item separately once advertisement requirements are complete.