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Board weighs capital-outlay use and potential levy changes as legislative session begins
Summary
Superintendent and board discussed returning an estimated $150,000 to the capital outlay budget, constraints from the upcoming legislative session, and whether to use capital funds to shore up general fund needs — with the Chair noting the current levy is about $2.40 and the statutory maximum is $3.00.
The board discussed capital-outlay planning and levy options as the 2026 legislative session opened.
The superintendent reported that one previously earmarked capital project is unlikely to move forward soon, freeing about $150,000 back into the capital outlay budget. Staff noted that the district has been in touch with state contacts but was told additional funding is unlikely in the immediate term. The superintendent and Chair emphasized the need to consider trade-offs between using capital-outlay dollars to support the general fund and preserving capital funds for facility needs.
The Chair summarized the levy situation: “At least today, we levy at, like, $2.40. That can go up to 3.” Board members discussed the equity and programmatic trade-offs of increasing the levy versus using capital reserves, including potential impacts on class sizes and programs.
Members asked staff to prepare clearer trade-off analyses for community engagement should the district consider a levy increase; the Chair urged an informed public conversation about concrete tax impacts and the abstract program trade-offs that would follow any change.
No formal levy action was taken; the discussion was framed as guiding next steps for budgeting and community outreach.
