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Union Township Board adopts $16.26M 2026–27 budget, lowers local levy by $124,000
Summary
The Union Township Board of Education adopted a $16,258,401 budget for 2026–2027 on April 27, approving adjustments including a $124,000 reduction to the local tax levy and reserve withdrawals for capital, emergency security upgrades, and maintenance.
The Union Township Board of Education voted to adopt the district's final 2026–2027 budget during its public hearing on April 27, approving total revenue and appropriations of $16,258,401.
The budget package, presented by School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Eva Preuett and Interim Superintendent Dr. Barbara Popp, includes Fund 10 operating spending and Fund 40 debt service. The district lists overall revenue and appropriations at $16,258,401, with Fund 10 local tax levy figures and an estimated state aid line. The board approved a $124,000 reduction to the adopted budget that lowers the revised local tax levy to $11,340,000 by cutting three line items tied to Extended School Year projections, related services, and transportation.
Board members also approved a tax levy payment schedule for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 fiscal year with six equal installment dates and a combined levy figure of $12,286,488 that reflects both operating and debt service levies. The adopted budget incorporates several reserve and adjustment items: a $401,415 capital reserve withdrawal to transfer to debt service; a $43,900 emergency reserve withdrawal earmarked for security upgrades; a banked cap adjustment of $510,574 for maintenance and other eligible uses; and a $377,840 maintenance reserve deposit. The board also set a maximum travel expenditure of $27,000 for the 2026–2027 school year.
Motion and vote: The motion to adopt budget items BU1–BU10 was made by Board President Lou Palma and seconded by Board member Lisette Esteves Lagoa. The adoption passed by roll-call vote: Yes: 8, No: 1. The minutes record the public hearing as concluded following the vote.
Why it matters: The budget sets the district's spending priorities for curriculum, operations and capital transfers for the coming school year and establishes levy and payment timing for township collections. The inclusion of emergency reserve funds and a specific line for security upgrades signals attention to facility and student safety investments.
What comes next: The board's actions complete the public hearing and adoption steps recorded in the meeting minutes; any implementation of transfers and reserve withdrawals will be carried out by district financial staff in accordance with state rules and the board's authorization.
