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Board approves preliminary 2026–27 budget after update on proposed state special-education reimbursement boost
Summary
The board approved the district’s preliminary 2026–27 budget after hearing from finance lead David, who said state proposals could raise special-education reimbursement to roughly 45–50% and increase equalization aid by about $300 million, potentially improving the district’s $600,000 preliminary deficit.
The Superior School District board approved its preliminary 2026–27 budget on May 11 after a presentation from district finance lead David. David told the board that a recent bipartisan proposal at the state level would increase special-education reimbursement and expand equalization aid, moves he said could materially improve the district’s budget outlook.
David described the state proposal as raising special-education reimbursement to about 50% for the next year and said his estimate is that current interim figures mean the district could see reimbursement at roughly 45% compared with lower rates in the immediate past. "That's new money to the school district," he said, adding that those changes could offset about $600,000 in the district’s preliminary deficit and move the budget closer to neutral. He cautioned that the proposal was not final until the Senate votes on it.
He also noted a reported $300 million increase to equalization aid in the proposal, which he described as roughly a 5% increase in aid and could reduce the local tax levy pressure. Board members discussed outreach to state lawmakers and noted an invitation to Assembly Representative Angela Strode to visit the district for further conversation.
Following the discussion, the board moved, seconded and approved the preliminary budget by voice vote. The administration and board will continue to monitor state action and engage with legislators as the budget process continues.
