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Middleton board approves $1.986 million, two-year supplemental levy ballot language for May election
Summary
The Middleton School District board approved ballot language for a two-year supplemental levy asking voters to authorize about $1.986 million per year; staff and trustees discussed survey results, categorical spending, a $41-per-$100,000 tax estimate and an expected $10 increase over the expiring levy.
The Middleton School District Board of Trustees on March 9 approved ballot language for a two-year supplemental levy that would raise approximately $1,986,290 a year to fund classroom staff, security, curriculum, technology and other operating costs.
Board counsel and district staff reviewed a district survey of 833 respondents—675 of whom reported having students in district schools—showing stronger support among families with students for the higher $1.9 million option than a $1.5 million alternative. District officials said the $1.9 million choice better preserves programs and staff that would otherwise face cuts.
Brandon, presenting the resolution and ballot form, told the board the ballot will include category-level allocations and a tax-impact statement that reads, in part, "The estimated annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $41 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year based on current conditions," and noted that the proposed levy replaces an expiring levy that currently costs $31 per $100,000. "It's not a whole new tax," Brandon said. "It's really just an increase of that $10."
Trustees asked staff to clarify wording for the ballot's listing of school-security funding and agreed to pluralize the line to read "resource/security officers" to reflect both school resource officers and contracted security personnel.
Board members said they plan focused outreach to registered voters and noted survey findings that respondents who support the district were more likely to be parents of current students. Trustees emphasized transparency, with staff pointing to the district's monthly financial postings and an information night the district held after the survey.
The board adopted the resolution and the official ballot language by voice vote and set the election for May 19, 2026, as specified in the resolution. Next steps include finalizing the ballot text with the county clerk and public outreach to explain the levy categories and projected tax impact.
The ballot question will list approximate allocations for certified teachers, classified staff, resource/security officers, curriculum adoption, transportation, technology and building maintenance; the staff presentation cautioned that category amounts are approximations and subject to annual reporting requirements.
