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Schuyler Community Schools adopts $19.6 million budget and sets levy at $0.99
Summary
Schuyler Community Schools' board approved the 2025-26 operating budget of $19,625,164 and adopted a property tax request that will set the district levy at $0.99 per $100 of assessed value; board members highlighted growing cash reserves and a planned pilot-driven approach to curriculum changes.
Schuyler Community Schools adopted a $19,625,164 operating budget for 2025-26 and certified a property tax request that will set the district levy at $0.99 per $100 of assessed value, the board voted at its regular meeting.
The board was presented with the proposed totals for the coming year: general fund $17,992,283; bond fund $1,486,358; special building fund $146,523; and other operating funds totaling $4,040. The district noted that while the levy rate is seven cents lower than last year, an approximately 11% increase in assessed valuation means the district is asking for 4% more in total tax dollars compared with last year.
Administrators and board members emphasized building and maintaining cash reserves. The presentation noted the district began with roughly $600,000 in reserves and has grown to a little over $3 million; board discussion credited a team effort and monthly expenditure reductions the administration estimated at about $150,000 per month.
Board members also heard an explanation of how rising local property valuation affects state aid: with higher assessed valuation the district receives less equalization or foundation aid, a dynamic administrators said has reduced overall state aid in recent years.
Votes at a glance - Adopt 2025-26 budget: approved by roll call (motion passed). The budget total matched the figures presented at the tax hearing earlier in the meeting. - Adopt property tax request (Resolution 256) setting levy at $0.99 per $100: approved by roll call; the resolution will be certified and forwarded to the county clerk by the statutory deadline.
What happens next Administrators said the district will continue to monitor expenditures and aim to add at least another $500,000 to reserves while aligning spending to student learning and safety priorities. The levy certification will be sent to the county clerk as required by state law.
Sources and provenance: Board presentation of proposed tax request and budget figures; resolution reading and roll-call approval during the meeting.
