Butler Board adopts $33.13 million 2026–27 budget, taps $700,000 maintenance reserve

The Butler Board of Education on April 30 adopted its 2026–2027 school budget totaling $33,132,339, approving a tax levy of $22,362,010 to cover local share after anticipated revenues of $10,770,329.

Board member and Finance Chair A. Drucker presented the budget and noted the district had received approval from the Executive County Superintendent. The budget package includes a $622,424 adjustment for increased health benefit costs and a planned $700,000 withdrawal from the district's Maintenance Reserve Account to pay for required facility maintenance reported in the comprehensive maintenance plan.

The resolution the board approved specifies total expenditures of $33,132,339 and lists general fund, special revenue, and debt service figures used to compute the tax levy. The board certified, by roll call, that funds are available to meet the district's fiscal obligations for the remainder of the year.

The board approved the budget in a recorded roll call with the seven members present voting in favor; A. Allison and others were absent as recorded in the minutes. During public comment later in the meeting, resident Harlynne Lack Kaplan thanked the district for its work building the budget given current financial challenges.

The board also approved related finance policies at the meeting, including the district's travel and professional-services maximums for the coming year and routine monthly financial reports. The adopted budget now proceeds as the district follows statutory reporting and implementation steps for the 2026–2027 school year.