2026 August STOH Board Meeting - Budget Work Session

The STOH School Board held a budget work session on August 26, 2026, focusing extensively on the school district's financial planning and tax levy projections for the 2027 fiscal year. Key procurement-related discussions included the planned purchase of three school buses estimated at $600,000, which will be primarily financed through bond proceeds due to anticipated revenue losses from Senate Enrolled Act One. The board reviewed detailed budget components such as the education fund, operations fund, and debt service fund, including salary and benefit increases, insurance costs, and the impact of property tax caps and homestead credits on revenue. The board also discussed the capital projects plan, noting that no new capital projects are currently budgeted outside of bond-funded initiatives, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a 12-year replacement cycle for buses and equipment. Resolutions related to budget transfers and appropriations were mentioned as forthcoming. Overall, the board prepared to advertise a total budget of approximately $45.5 million, with a tax rate increase projected to be modest, reflecting a 6% assessed value growth quotient. The session included clarifications on interlocal agreements and the impact of charter school funding on the levy.