Southern Columbia Area School District board adopts 2026–27 budget, approves 3% property tax increase

The Southern Columbia Area School District Board voted to adopt the district27s 2026–27 general fund budget and approved materials that include a 3% property tax increase.

Board members said rising costs, including increased health-insurance premiums and other unavoidable expenses, left the district with limited options. Trustees emphasized that the revenue decision followed months of discussion at finance and facilities committee meetings and that administrators had pared discretionary spending where possible.

During debate members noted the district faces higher costs that are not fully offset by state aid and described the tax increase as the least-worst option to maintain programs and staffing. Board members also stressed the need to explain why the increase is necessary to district taxpayers.

A roll-call vote was recorded on the motion to adopt the budget. The transcript records these votes as follows: Drew Hampton — yes; Kendall Haymon — yes; Josh Hogland — yes; Jim Levan — no; Josh Majeski — yes; BL Madera — yes; Cindy Brassington — yes; Jill Hos — yes. The motion carried.

The board discussion referenced rising health-insurance costs and multi-month deliberations within finance and facilities subcommittees. Administrators said the budget process prioritized maintaining instructional programs and essential services while seeking non-tax revenue where feasible.

Next steps: the budget adoption finalizes spending authority for the coming fiscal year. The district will publish formal budget documents and statutory notices as required. The transcript did not provide a clear, unambiguous dollar total as read aloud during the meeting; the publicly posted budget document should be consulted for the exact adopted totals and revenue-line detail.