Board hears non‑instructional budget; bus purchase proposition set for ballot at about $837,000

Brian, the district staff presenter, walked the board through central‑office, facilities/security, transportation, and debt‑service line items in the non‑instructional portion of the 2026‑27 budget and explained several cost drivers.

He cited projected pension and benefit changes — TRS employer rates down to 8.24% from 9.59% while ERS rates were rising — and forecast increases in health and commercial insurance and utilities. "When you put all those together, we're looking at about just shy of 3% increase year over year," Brian said, noting a $103,000 proposed increase in the central office budget and a larger utilities line driving facilities cost increases.

On transportation, Brian reviewed a planned proposition to replace four 65‑passenger buses and one smaller wheelchair‑equipped bus; he said prices have risen since the prior purchase and summarized the expected costs. "Ultimately, the total cost of what will be on the proposition to be $837,000," he said. He reminded the board that buses are bonded over five years and that payments begin the following budget year.

The presentation also covered a proposed annual $100,000 capital appropriation for middle‑school exterior door replacements and a proposition appropriating funds for the community library and three board seats up for election. Board members asked clarifying questions but did not change the presented figures at this meeting.