Holland Central board adopts $24.16M proposed budget to send to voters

The Holland Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2026–27 district budget of $24,160,805 for presentation to voters at the May 19, 2026 ballot. Chair (speaker 2) moved the measure, which the board approved 5–0.

Business-office presenter Brittany summarized the revenue assumptions behind the proposal, saying the district is working without a final state budget and is using conservative estimates. "The tax levy is still set at 3.62% so that is does fall within the allowable tax cap limit," she told the board, and she said the plan anticipates using interfund transfers, reserves and about $844,000 from fund balance to balance the budget. The presentation listed total budgeted revenues and expenditures at $24,160,805.

The motion forwarded to voters also included a vehicle proposition for two diesel buses and one dump truck and a request to establish a new 10‑year capital reserve to be funded at up to $2,000,000. During the presentation Brittany listed a vehicle-proposition figure of $344,080.86; the motion text recorded on the floor later lists $344,006. A board member clarified the capital-reserve request is only to allow voters to "open" the reserve; the district is not funding it immediately and would have up to 10 years to place funds into it. "We're not funding it at this time, and nor do we have the funds for it," the board member said.

Board members thanked business-office staff and unions for collaboration on cost-savings and said they will monitor spending and convene follow-up work sessions to develop a multi-year outlook. The adopted motion also referenced transferring remaining monies from a 2021 capital reserve and included a nomination received for a board candidacy (Richard Hope). The board then adjourned to executive session later in the meeting to discuss CPA and personnel matters.