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Carman‑Ainsworth Board reviews proposed 2026–27 budget, announces millage schedule
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Russ Parks presented the Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools proposed 2026–2027 budget at a June 23 hearing, disclosing proposed millage rates and key assumptions including a $250 foundation allowance increase, an enrollment decline estimate, and higher insurance costs; the board will consider adoption later that evening.
Assistant Superintendent Russ Parks presented the proposed 2026–2027 budget to the Carman‑Ainsworth Board of Education at a budget hearing on June 23 at the district administration building. President Gloria Nealy opened the hearing at 6:00 p.m., and declared it adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
Parks said the hearing’s purpose was to review budget information before the board is asked to adopt the General Appropriations Resolution at the regular meeting later that evening. He listed the district’s proposed millage schedule for 2026–2027: State Education Tax, 6.0000 mills; Ad Valorem (Operating), 18.0000 mills; Commercial Personal Property, 6.0000 mills; Building & Site Sinking Fund, 0.4969 mills; and Debt Retirement, 4.1000 mills.
Parks reviewed the budget’s core assumptions. The state foundation allowance was projected to increase by $250, from $10,050 to $10,300. The blended student count for budgeting purposes was estimated at 3,223, a decline of 125 from the prior actual blended count of 3,348. Salaries were reported as negotiated with all employee groups; FICA was budgeted at 7.65% of salary. Parks said the district expects retirement expense to decrease from 44.93% to 41.02% of salary.
On benefit and local‑revenue impacts, Parks said MESSA health, dental, vision and life insurance rates were estimated to rise about 10%. He reported a 4.5782% increase in property tax values and said local property tax revenue for the general fund had increased by $373,620, with no Headlee rollback applied to those rates.
The presentation also covered standard budget documents and line‑item groupings, including general fund revenue and expenditure summaries, school service funds (food service, community services, student activity, debt retirement, building and site), and the capital projects fund. Parks said opportunities for questions and clarification were provided throughout the presentation.
The board was told it would be asked to approve the proposed 2026–2027 budget at the Regular Meeting later that evening. President Nealy adjourned the Budget Hearing at 6:29 p.m.
