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Schuyler Community Schools board adopts 2025–26 budget, approves CKLA pilot and routine actions
Summary
The Schuyler Community Schools Board approved a $19.6 million tax request and 2025–26 budget, adopted a levy that keeps the rate near $0.99 per $100 of assessed value, authorized purchase of CKLA K–5 pilot materials, and approved surplusing two older buses and changes to the certified staff evaluation handbook.
Schuyler Community Schools’ Board of Education on Monday adopted the district’s 2025–26 budget and property tax request and approved several routine measures, including purchasing K–5 CKLA pilot materials and declaring two aging buses surplus.
The board voted to adopt a total tax request of $19,625,164 and a property tax levy of roughly $0.99 per $100 of assessed value, a seven‑cent reduction in the levy rate from last year but reflecting a 4% increase in the district’s total tax asking because assessed valuation rose about 11%. Administrators said the district’s total assessed valuation climbed by nearly $2 billion, a shift that reduces some state equalization aid and changes the local effort calculation.
Board members and administrators emphasized building cash reserves: presenters noted the district grew reserves from about $600,000 to more than $3 million in recent years and said continued restraint in monthly spending will help reach a multi‑month reserve target. Officials also told the board that roughly 64% of revenue comes from property taxes and that rising insurance and other costs are drivers of the budget increase.
Votes at a glance
- Adopt 2025–26 budget and levy: Motion carried (roll call recorded unanimous yes). The board read and approved a resolution certifying the property tax request and directed certification to the county clerk.
- Purchase CKLA K–5 pilot materials: Motion carried (roll call recorded unanimous yes). The board moved to purchase pilot materials for kindergarten through fifth grade to evaluate the CKLA program in selected classrooms.
- Recognize Schuyler Community Schools Education Association as exclusive bargaining group: Motion carried (unanimous yes). The recognition is procedural, reflecting the association’s majority membership for representation and future negotiations.
- Surplus two buses (2009 Thomas Safetyliner and 2012 International): Motion carried (unanimous yes). Administration recommended reducing the fleet from eight to six buses because in‑town daily routes have declined; proceeds from any sale will be returned to the district’s depreciation fund.
- Approval of recommended changes to the certified staff evaluation handbook: Motion carried (unanimous yes). The administration described a three‑year summative cycle for tenured certified staff supplemented by 16 unannounced walkthroughs per year, with a different observation cadence for non‑tenured staff. Administration said the plan may require state approval and that evaluation feedback will be shared promptly with staff.
Board members recorded a series of roll call votes for each motion. No dissenting votes were recorded in the meeting record provided.
Officials said officials will continue to monitor tax valuation and state funding changes and to provide quarterly financial reports to the board and the public. The board certified the levy and directed staff to forward the resolution to the county clerk per statutory timelines.
