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Schuyler board adopts 2025–26 budget, sets 99¢ levy and approves CKLA pilot and other measures
Summary
Schuyler Community Schools’ board approved a $19,625,164 tax request and the 2025–26 budget, setting a 99¢ levy per $100 assessed value, and voted to purchase K–5 CKLA pilot materials, recognize the district bargaining group, surplus two buses and revise staff-evaluation procedures.
Schuyler Community Schools’ board approved the district’s 2025–26 budget and property-tax request, adopting a total tax request of $19,625,164 that the board said will cause a levy of 99¢ per $100 of assessed value.
Administrators told the board the district’s assessed valuation rose about 11% this year; that growth reduced state equalization aid by roughly $80,000 and helped produce a smaller levy even as the district requested a 4% higher operating budget compared with last year. The administration said roughly 80% of district spending is personnel and that about 64% of revenue comes from property taxes.
The board also approved a series of motions in the same meeting. A purchase of CKLA pilot materials for kindergarten through fifth grade was approved following discussion of teacher supports and content concerns. The board recognized the Schuyler Community Schools Education Association as the exclusive bargaining group for the district for the coming year, approved surplusing two buses (a 2009 Thomas Safety Liner and a 2012 International) with proceeds returning to the district depreciation fund, and adopted revisions to the certified-employee evaluation handbook that move tenured staff to a three‑year formal cycle supplemented by 16 brief walkthrough observations annually (subject to required state approval).
Votes at a glance: - District 2025–26 budget (tax request $19,625,164): motion carried on roll call (affirmative votes recorded). Outcome: approved. - Levy resolution (sets levy at 99¢ per $100 assessed value): motion carried on roll call; district will certify the tax request to the county clerk. Outcome: approved. - CKLA pilot purchase (K–5 materials): motion carried on roll call. Outcome: approved. - Recognition of bargaining group (Schuyler Community Schools Education Association): motion carried on roll call. Outcome: approved. - Surplus and sale of two buses (2009 Thomas; 2012 International): motion carried on roll call; proceeds to depreciation fund. Outcome: approved. - Evaluation handbook revisions (certified staff): motion carried on roll call; implementation contingent on state guidelines where required. Outcome: approved.
Board members and administrators said the district’s recent efforts to control monthly expenditures have helped grow cash reserves from roughly $600,000 to more than $3 million, and they emphasized continuing review of programs and spending to prioritize student learning and safety. The board certified the tax request for forwarding to the county clerk by the statutory deadline.
The board received routine reports on student activities and enrollment and adjourned the meeting.
