Woodford County board adopts 4% growth tax rate amid public pleas to spare school staff

The Woodford County Board of Education voted 4–1 Thursday to set the fiscal year 2026 property tax rate at 63.3¢, the board’s advertised 4% growth option, after a public hearing that included pleas from residents and school staff to spare classroom positions.

Chairman Brickler opened the special-called hearing and outlined three advertised options: a compensating rate of 60.9¢ (projected to raise about $149,462.59), a 4% growth rate of 63.3¢ (projected +$829,214.28), and a flat rate of 67.3¢ (projected +$2,445,224.88). Brickler also warned the board that the flat 67.3¢ rate would be recallable and could trigger an expensive petition and an election if enough residents petitioned within 45 days.

At the public-comment podium, Moe Bakke urged the board to choose the middle option rather than the recallable flat rate, saying a recent petition drive collected roughly 1,500 signatures in under three weeks and arguing the district should “cut expenses, not raise taxes.” Ryan Wilson, principal at Huntertown Elementary, spoke on behalf of teachers and staff, saying positions added since COVID — interventionists, instructional coaches and mental-health staff — have reduced discipline referrals and supported student recovery and should be preserved.

Superintendent Dr. Jones announced a newly formed budget committee that will include two community members, two parents, a classified employee, a certified employee, a school administrator, the district’s chief financial officer, Dr. Jones herself and a board representative, Sarah McCallum. The committee will review staffing levels, compare the district to neighboring districts and report recommendations to the public and the board.

Board members debated tradeoffs. Chairman Brickler said he feared a recallable flat rate would split the community and cost taxpayers roughly $40,000–$50,000 to put on the November ballot; he said he supported the 4% growth option while acknowledging it would still require “tightening the belt.” Miss Springgate said the 4% rate would add about $800,000 in recurring revenue and urged the board to target nonclassroom spending — attorney fees, out-of-state travel and celebrations — before cutting classroom positions. Mr. Wilson, a board member, said prior 10% pay raises contributed to the current budget pressures and said he would vote no because the motion could affect every student in the district.

After discussion and a brief remote-voting clarification, the motion to adopt the 4% growth rate passed 4–1. Dr. Gould, who joined the meeting remotely, cast her vote as aye after unmuting; Mr. Wilson recorded the lone no vote. Chairman Brickler said the board would take a detailed look at positions across the district and rely on the budget committee’s forthcoming analysis.

The board adjourned after the vote. The budget committee is charged with delivering findings and recommendations to the public and the board before implementation decisions are finalized.