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Lincoln Public Schools previews 2026–27 preliminary budget, cites enrollment stability and shifting revenue mix
Summary
Associate Superintendent Dr. Standish presented the preliminary 2627 budget, citing an estimated decrease of 26 students, a $100 million multiyear federal-grant portfolio, and an evolving revenue mix driven by tax-credit changes; the board will consider a 1st reading to approve additional base-growth authority and referred a wellness-funding request to the finance committee.
Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs Dr. Standish outlined Lincoln Public Schools' preliminary 2026–27 budget at a special work session, describing the district's planning timeline, recent enrollment trends and revenue changes. "We are estimating a decrease of 26 students," she said, and told the board the district currently serves roughly 42,000 early childhood through 12th-grade students.
Standish said staff costs drive the general fund—about 90% of expenditures—and noted the district runs roughly a $30,000,000 payroll each month. She also described a multiyear federal grants portfolio of about $100,000,000 (a cumulative, multiyear figure) and said the district had to make course corrections when a multiyear grant was discontinued in 2025. On revenue mix, she said tax-credit flows now mean the district's funding for 2627 looks closer to "44% property taxes and 32% state funding," while cautioning that individual taxpayers' bills will vary with assessed valuation.
The presentation included a procedural request: the board was asked to consider on 1st reading an increase in base-growth authority (an additional 4% was discussed; Standish said the district did not plan to use the full amount and would refine estimates after the August 20 valuation certification). The board did not vote at the session; Standish and the Chair said further refinement will follow certification and that the finance committee will vet any adjustments before adoption.
The district posted detailed line-item materials online and named staff (Kim Schmidt, Doug, Jess and April Douglas) available for follow-up. The board adjourned after a short discussion and opened the public-comment period.
