Lake Forest board approves proposed 2027 tax-rate resolution, opts to use reserves instead of raising current-expense tax

The Lake Forest School District Board of Education on June 25 voted unanimously to adopt the district's proposed fiscal year 2027 tax-rate resolution and to rely on district reserves, rather than raising the current-expense tax rate, to cover projected shortfalls.

During a presentation, the district's finance presenter (speaker 6) told the board the reserve balance is projected to finish the year at roughly $7,700,000 and recommended postponing a current-expense tax-rate increase. "This new proposal allows the board to leverage these reserves to cover any projected budget gap rather than raising the current expense tax rate," the presenter said.

The presenter said some tax components will fall — notably debt service and the minor capital portion of the match tax — while the tuition tax will increase to address higher costs for intense and complex special-education placements. He said projected property-assessment growth has slowed in recent years and that the overall effect would leave the district's overall tax rate unchanged next year.

Board members pressed for specifics about how reserves might be used. One board member (speaker 3) asked whether an identified capital project referred to in discussion as "Chippen" would draw on reserves; the finance presenter replied the Chippen expense would not be paid from reserves unless it exceeded a roughly $2,000,000 threshold, in which case amounts above that figure could come from reserves.

Another member noted the board has already drawn about $300,000 from reserves this year and that staff anticipate roughly $500,000 in additional expenses next year, producing an estimated $800,000 gap if no tax increase is implemented. The presenter said some budget reductions (including limits on tuition reimbursement) are being considered to reduce pressure on reserves.

The board voted 5-0 to approve resolution 11.1 as presented. Chair (speaker 1) closed discussion and the motion passed with no recorded oppositions or abstentions.

Dr. Steven Lucas, the district superintendent, also used the meeting to highlight summer services and programming: summer meals are available Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the back dock of Lake Forest High School; each student under 18 in the vehicle may receive five breakfasts and five lunches. Lucas also noted the extended school-year program begins July 6 at Central Elementary School.

The board announced its reorganization meeting is scheduled for July 7 and the next likely public meeting in this room is Aug. 13, when the board will adopt the coming-year meeting calendar.