Board reviews FY27 budget preview; administration projects lower total levy and outlines assumptions

District administration presented an FY27 budget overview showing fiscal assumptions, enrollment trends and proposed levy changes.

Gabby, presenting budget materials, said administrators included a conservative 3.5% contingency for unknowns and noted estimated costs tied to six retirees (health insurance impacts). The presentation said the district expects to qualify for the state budget guarantee for FY27, which reduces pressure on property‑tax revenue. Administration proposed increasing an income surtax to shift some revenue away from property owners and explained that was one of three main drivers of a projected levy decrease.

“Total levy rate for FY27 is projected to decrease by about $1.63,” administration said (figures as stated in the meeting). Presenters also showed enrollment trends: resident students declining modestly while open‑enrolled‑in students are increasing, which administrators said helps offset enrollment declines. The district scheduled a public hearing and final approval of the budget for April 29.

Board members asked for details and were shown charts with historical tax rates, levy components and projected debt service needs; administration said further detail would be available at the public hearing.