Granite School District presents tentative budget with proposed $21.7 million tax increase; truth-in-taxation hearing set for Aug. 18

District finance officials presented the Granite School District's tentative budget at the June 2 board meeting and disclosed that it includes a proposed tax increase above the certified rate totaling $21,688,055.

"The tentative budget that we're presenting to you today includes a proposed tax increase that exceeds the certified tax rate," Todd said during the presentation, framing required statutory notices and the process ahead. Brian and Todd walked the board through new statutory disclosures, the property-tax impact schedule and how the district must set aside the proposed increase in an interim reserve until the required tax hearing.

District staff described the $21.7 million ask in two common frames: about a 10.3% increase when measured against total property-tax dollars and an approximately 11.2% increase when measured against the board-voted, voted and capital levies the district controls. Officials estimated the impact on an average home (using last year's average value of $565,200) at roughly $123 a year — about $10 per month — though they cautioned the figure is subject to certified rates and assessed valuations.

Budget priorities enumerated by presenters include K–2 class-size reduction, English-language-learner software, behavior supports, elementary teacher prep time, instructional coaches, school administrator support (deans/interns), school guardians, additional custodial resources for new square footage, charter school levy recovery, deferred maintenance, and school rebuilds and remodels. The presenters also described one-time allocations such as $1.5 million to stabilize special education and $1.8 million to replace school-fee revenue the district will not receive from state sources.

Because of recent statutory changes, the board must adopt a tentative (interim) budget and then hold a public truth-in-taxation hearing. The budget hearing will be June 16 (the district called that its budget hearing); the district also announced a truth-in-taxation hearing on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at district offices, with options for remote participation and written statements to be included in the record.

Board members asked clarifying questions about what "school administrator support" and "custodial supports" would cover; presenters said administrator supports would place at least some additional administrative time (e.g., dean of students or administrative interns) at every elementary school, and custodial dollars would address added square footage and maintenance needs at Cypress and Skyline high schools. Presenters emphasized the district will continue to refine levy-rate calculations as certified rates and assessed values are finalized.