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Board adopts $86 million 2026–2027 budget with staff pay increases and capital spending
Summary
The board approved the 2026–2027 school budget—roughly $86 million in expenditures—authorizing a $1,000 pay increase for all staff, higher step raises, continued capital project spending and provisional funding for textbooks and the employee health clinic.
The board approved the 2026–2027 proposed budget, presenting total expenditures of about $86 million that the presenter said prioritize employee compensation and ongoing capital projects. The motion to adopt passed by voice vote after staff answered questions about reserve levels.
Presenter told the board the state funding base in the TIA formula is increasing and described the proposal as a largely flat budget focused on raising employee pay and continuing capital work. The budget would provide a $1,000 across‑the‑board increase for both certified and classified staff and raise annual step increases from $400 to $500. The presenter illustrated the combined effect by saying long‑tenured employees could see substantially larger increases (an example given: a 30‑year employee could receive roughly $3,900).
The presenter also highlighted program and capital allocations: $1.2 million budgeted for social studies textbook adoption (purchased in advance for FY2028), $150,000 for band and athletics equipment, about $265,000 more for instructional supplies, continuation of funding for school resource officer vehicles, and approximately $8.3 million allocated to capital projects this year (including the cafeteria award), leaving about $4.5 million to roll into the next fiscal year.
On benefits, the presenter said the budget includes a projected 10% increase in medical insurance costs and proposed budgeting $75,000–$100,000 to expand staffing at the employee health clinic, subject to county cooperation. When asked about reserves, Dr. Wallace said the final reserve balance cannot be determined until year end and noted the district began the current year with about $29 million in reserves but that number will change after capital spending and year‑end accounting.
Mr. Johnson moved to adopt the 2026–2027 budget, Mr. Colwell seconded, and the board approved the budget by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. The presenter said staff would proceed with the budget as approved and return with any necessary updates when year‑end information is available.
