Jamesville‑DeWitt presents $74.96 million 2026–27 budget; three propositions set for May 19 vote

Brian Bartlett presented the annual meeting notice and the proposed 2026–27 spending plan, saying the budget would authorize a district spending plan of $74,962,459 and directing voters to the May 19 election at James Hill DeWitt High School gymnasium between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. He described three propositions on the ballot: the annual budget, a bus purchase package and an appropriation for the Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville.

Bartlett outlined the revenue picture that underlies the proposal: the district plans to set its tax levy at the local tax cap of 2.63% (a levy figure shown in the presentation as roughly $47,462,997), and the budget assumes state aid at the governor’s January proposal because the state budget had not been finalized. He said the district is seeking to reduce reliance on fund balance and reserves after the COVID era and that operating costs were driven by higher insurance, utilities and health‑insurance costs. "Which would authorize the district budget and spending plan of $74,962,459," Bartlett said during the notice.

Dr. Woodcock described the district’s three budget goals — maintain student programming, adhere to the tax cap and reduce staff through attrition where possible — and emphasized student experience areas funded in the budget such as transportation, food service and safety improvements. The presentation shows a year‑over‑year reduction of approximately $365,000 in spending and category shares of roughly 75% program, 9% administrative and 16% capital. The board will put the budget and the two additional propositions to voters on May 19; no board action on the budget itself took place at this meeting beyond the presentation and notification.