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Riverview School District adopts 2026–27 budget, approves 1.25% tax increase after heated debate
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and board discussion, the Riverview School District board adopted a $29.6 million 2026–27 budget and approved a 1.25% tax increase (setting the school millage at 25.8294 mills). A larger 3.5% increase failed in a separate roll-call vote.
The Riverview School District Board of School Directors on June 8 adopted the district’s 2026–27 general fund budget and voted, by roll call, to raise the tax rate by 1.25% for the coming fiscal year.
The budget was approved as presented for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, with total revenues listed at $29,600,000 and the district’s real estate millage set at 25.8294 mills. The board first rejected a motion to increase taxes by the full index (3.5%) on a roll call vote, then approved the smaller 1.25% increase on a subsequent roll call.
Why it mattered: The meeting drew a large public turnout focused on the trade‑offs between preserving staffing and investing in a proposed high‑school expansion. Dozens of residents and several students urged the board to prioritize teachers, classroom supplies and counseling over a multimillion‑dollar renovation; students also said inadequate rehearsal and multipurpose space constrains arts programs.
Public comment and board response: Dozens of residents spoke during two public‑comment periods. “A multi‑purpose room is 100% needed,” said student speaker Sophia Leisure, who described current space limits affecting chorus and Model United Nations events. Other speakers countered that the district should direct money to classroom instruction and teacher retention. Several citizens urged the board to use part of recent one‑time surpluses instead of increasing taxes this year.
Board members acknowledged the competing claims. Several trustees said feasibility work on building needs had been under way for years and that the board had to balance long‑term capital plans with recurring operating costs. One trustee urged that the board adopt stronger three‑ to five‑year financial modeling and create an oversight committee to cost‑engineer any expansion if it moves forward.
Votes taken: The board first held a roll‑call vote on a 3.5% increase; that motion failed (4 yes, 5 no). The board then took a roll‑call vote on a 1.25% increase, which passed by majority. The approved budget resolution states the district’s 2026–27 expenditures and authorizes appropriation of funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
Next steps and caveats: Board members repeatedly emphasized that approving the budget and modest tax increase did not constitute final authorization of any capital expansion or bond issuance. Administration and trustees said additional steps remain for any building project, including more detailed cost engineering, community input, soil and geotechnical testing and, if appropriate, a future bond decision. The board tabled broader preconstruction approvals for the expansion pending clearer, itemized cost estimates and scheduled additional review at the next voting meeting.
The board’s action makes the adopted budget effective July 1, 2026. Further decisions about whether and how to pursue a major renovation will depend on the results of the next phase of planning and clearer cost estimates.
