Blackhawk School Board moves to advertise proposed $45.96 million budget; public hearing set for June 11

The Blackhawk School Board voted at its May 7 work session to advertise a proposed 2026–27 budget and set a public hearing for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The administration presented draft figures showing roughly $45.96 million in projected revenue and a proposed deficit in the high six figures that staff said could be reduced if pending state funding is approved.

The presentation outlined the district’s three primary revenue buckets — federal (about 5%), state (around 40%) and local sources — and flagged that mandated state requirements continue to increase district costs without full funding. Special education was identified as a major expense, comprising about 20% of students, and administrators warned that health-care and utility costs are rising year over year.

Officials recommended assigning portions of fund balance for specific purposes: roughly $135,000 for equipment, $165,000 for technology and $400,000 to the capital reserve fund. Staff explained to the board that assigned funds remain in the general fund and can be reallocated later if necessary, while transfers to the capital reserve are restricted once completed.

Board members asked when the state budget would be known; staff answered that the district expects clarity approximately in July and cautioned that the state legislature could alter proposed increases. The administration said a proposed state allocation of about $738,335 would, if enacted as proposed, move the budget near balance and leave a negligible surplus (the staff presentation cited a hypothetical surplus of roughly $1,723 in that scenario). The board was careful to note that the state proposal is not yet law and staff excluded it from the district’s core forecast.

After discussion the board approved a motion to advertise the proposed final budget (PTE 2028) and directed the secretary to make copies available for public inspection and to provide at least 10 days’ notice of the June 11 meeting. The motion passed by an eight-to-zero recorded vote; the board chair announced “eight of nine. Motion carries.”

Votes at a glance • Proposed final budget (advertise and set public meeting for June 11, 2026): approved, recorded vote 8–0 in favor (motion carried). The board directed the secretary to publish the proposed budget per school-code requirements. • Approval of April 16, 2026 board minutes: motion carried (one member voiced opposition during the meeting but the minutes were approved). • Multiple routine consent items (finance, personnel, education, operations) were moved onto the May 14 voting session agenda and approved for placement on that agenda during the work session.

What happens next The proposed budget will be available for public inspection and the board will consider the final adoption at its June 11, 2026 meeting. Staff said the district will finalize audited figures and may adjust assignments before final adoption if warranted by audit results or changes in state funding.

Context District presenters emphasized that while state proposals could increase funding, many new or recently expanded state requirements remain partially or wholly unfunded, increasing pressure on local revenue and fund balances. Administrators also called attention to inflationary pressure on benefits and utilities and described a set of capital projects the district wishes to pursue over the summer.