Marion School District adopts 2026–27 budget and $3.6 million tax levy

On July 27, 2026, the Marion School District board adopted its 2026–27 proposed budget and set the associated tax levy following a public hearing at the district's annual meeting. Business Manager Nathan Papendorf presented the budget and property tax information to attendees, and a member of the public, Debbie Mielke, thanked Papendorf for explaining the figures clearly.

The budget resolution (Resolution A) as read by Chair Ron Krueger includes $1,062,499 for Fund 39 referendum debt service and $177,241 for Community Services operations, which the resolution specifies may fund adult education, community education and recreation programs, before- and after-school programming, non-special-education preschool programming and day care or surround care services. "That the District 2026-27 proposed Budget be adopted as presented, including $1,062,499.00 for Fund 39 Referendum Debt Service and $177,241.00 for Community Service operations," Ron Krueger read aloud when presenting the resolution.

Board member Annette Krueger moved to adopt the budget; the motion was seconded by Debbie Mielke and carried with no opposition. The board then adopted Resolution B to levy taxes to raise $3,600,118 for district operations, along with the same amounts for referendum debt service and the Community Services Fund. John Schwartz moved adoption of the tax levy resolution, Dawn Papendorf seconded, and the motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The adopted budget funds both routine district operations and a set of community programming categories identified in the resolution. The district will proceed with implementation under the approved 2026–27 appropriation and levy.