Community Weighs in on Budget Challenges
In January, the community was invited to discuss the School District’s budget challenges. Over 170 community members, including parents and staff, worked in groups to provide input on potential budget reductions. Participants also discussed the potential for closing elementary schools.
As part of the conversation, community members were asked whether or not the School District should pursue another Operational Referendum. Most participants (84%) agreed that the School District should pursue an Operational Referendum in April. With this feedback, the Board of Education took action on January 13 to put a $5 million non-recurring levy override on the April 1, 2025 ballot. The non-recurring levy override would be in effect for six years, starting with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2030-2031 school year. Passing this referendum question would allow the School Board to levy up to an additional $5 million. The $5 million is a non-compounding amount, meaning the School Board is limited to only levying up to $5 million additional dollars each year. It is not $5 million in year one and then $10 million in year two.
This article goes on to further discuss how the operational funds would be used, the impact on taxpayers, steps the School District has taken to reduce costs, and more.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
Also in this issue:
- April 1, 2025 Operational Referendum
- Meet the School Board Candidates
- Under Construction
- School Highlights
- HHS Welding Academy
- Celebration of Nations
- Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online
- 2025-2026 4K & Kindergarten Registration