Pocahontas School District board approves proposed budget, keeps current tax rate for March 2027 ballot

The Pocahontas School District board voted to approve the proposed budget of expenditures and to keep the district's current tax levy rate, authorizing related election paperwork for a March 27, 2027 election. The motion passed 4–0 after a second.

Board members debated timing and the implications for a separate facilities project but ultimately approved language provided by staff. The documents, which a board member read aloud, state: "The total proposed tax levy represents the same rate presently being collected." The motion sought approval of the budget of expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2028 and to approve all related election documents required to place an item on the March 27, 2027 ballot.

Board members asked for clarity on the statutory timing for placing questions on a ballot; staff cited the state constitution's timing requirements and confirmed the district must act now if it wants an item on the March 27, 2027 ballot. Members noted that if they do not act this week, any change would instead appear at a later election.

No named mover or seconder was recorded in the discussion transcript; the board chair announced the result after the vote. The board then moved to adjourn.

What happens next: with the board's approval, election documents will be filed to enable a March 27, 2027 vote on the proposed levy as written. The facilities discussion that preceded the vote remains unresolved and will continue to affect capital plans and potential funding requests to the state.