Madison board adopts final FY26 amendment, 2026–27 levy and budget after revenue gains

Madison District Public Schools officials adopted a final amendment to the 2025–26 budget and approved the 2026–27 tax levy and operating budget after administrators said new state aid, stronger local property tax revenue and additional grants strengthened the district’s finances.

Superintendent Perry told the board the district’s taxable value rose from $164.4 million to $171.7 million, a 4.4% increase, and that projected FY26 general fund revenue is about $19.5 million. Perry said updated estimates showed an improved operating surplus and a projected FY26 year‑end fund balance that is notably higher than earlier estimates, while stressing that roughly half of general fund dollars are restricted by grant terms and cannot be used for everyday operations.

The administration also presented the FY27 original budget assumptions, including a foundation allowance of $10,200 per pupil and a projected enrollment of 915 students. The FY27 revenue projection totals about $20.7 million, of which roughly 48% is unrestricted, and staff said they expect an operating surplus of about $1.5 million and a projected year‑end fund balance near $3.9 million.

Board members pressed staff on the district food service fund, which is projected to run a modest deficit in the coming year due primarily to higher food costs and lower revenue; administration said a $50,000 transfer from the general fund is included in the original budget and that line items can be adjusted during the year. Trustees also asked about enrollment assumptions and were told summer programming and recent charter closures in nearby areas are among strategies to attract students.

After discussion, the board voted by roll call to approve the 2025–26 final budget amendment, adopt the 2026–27 tax levy and adopt the 2026–27 budget as presented. The votes were recorded in the meeting minutes.