Reinecke leaders present tax‑cap‑compliant 2026–27 budget, outline five‑year plan and Oct. 1 field referendum

Superintendent Michael Burke and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Carolyn Mahara presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget and a five‑year financial plan to the Reinecke Union Free School District Board of Education on Feb. 11.

Burke said the proposed budget is tax‑cap compliant and "we are not piercing the cap." He announced a proposed tax levy increase of 2.38% and a spending increase of 2.44%, with a total budget of $53,828,373 representing roughly a $1.3 million year‑over‑year spending increase. "This is a balanced budget for year 1," Burke said, while noting the district will continue to refine projections as state aid and other factors become clearer.

Mahara gave the revenue and expense overview, saying property tax accounts for just under 85% of district revenue and that the district expects only a minimal increase in state foundation aid (about 1%). She described the district's use of three reserve funds (including debt service and pension reserves) and said the budget assumes transfers in from reserves will continue as in prior years. Mahara also noted an expected roughly $60,000 in additional E‑Rate category‑2 revenue from planned IT infrastructure work.

On the expense side, Mahara highlighted that salaries and benefits remain the largest cost (about three‑quarters of the budget) and flagged health‑insurance rate increases (a composite near 9% for active employees). She said debt service will decline this year because a roughly $1 million bond used for gym and science‑center work is in its final payment year. The presentation projected a net increase of about $467,000 for out‑of‑district special‑education placements and related transportation, and Burke said the district will add a psychologist/social‑worker to support an in‑house therapeutic program for middle and high school students.

Mahara walked the board through a five‑year long‑range financial model that assumes tax‑cap compliance in each year, conservative state‑aid assumptions, and planned bond‑anticipation notes in years 2–3 followed by permanent financing. Under current assumptions the model shows small structural deficits beginning in years 3–5; Mahara emphasized the plan is a forecast, not adopted budgets, and that small changes in assumptions (lower pension or insurance rates, retirements) can materially alter the outlook.

Burke also previewed a facilities bond referendum to renovate athletic fields and supporting facilities, proposed for Oct. 1. He described plans for two all‑weather fields, a field house, additional parking and lighting, and said the district's expiring debt from prior referendums will keep the tax impact "minimal," though final tax implications will be detailed as project plans and financing are finalized. Burke encouraged the community to attend monthly livestream information sessions and to submit questions to bond@rynek.org.

Board business that followed included presentation of the long‑range financial plan and a consent agenda (which the board moved and approved; a full roll‑call tally is not included in the transcript). The consent agenda, as read by the board president, included acceptance of the long‑range financial plan and approvals of minutes, personnel actions, policy readings, an E‑Rate category‑2 bid award, disposal of equipment and financial reports.

Student and community reports during the meeting highlighted school activities and fundraising: Student Senate representative Spencer Elliott previewed the spring musical (March 5–7) and a March 4 pickleball tournament; Jennifer Abby (Booster Club) reported roughly $10,000 raised at a recent Snowflake Soiree; the PTSA provided a video update on programs and drives; and Josh Moreau (school foundation) said the foundation has funded about $113,000 in grants this year.

Next steps in the budget calendar, as announced, include additional public budget discussions (March 18 and April 21), a final budget hearing on May 6 at 9 a.m. in the Daniel Warren Auditorium and the budget vote and trustee election on May 19 (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) in the community room. The district said it will post the full long‑range plan document on its website for review.

The board adjourned after routine reports and first‑read notices for three policies scheduled for further review.