Budget Work Session 8/18/26

The Lebanon Schools held a budget work session on August 18, 2026, focusing on the 2027 budget planning and financial strategy. Key procurement-related discussions included the strategic use of cash reserves for capital expenditures such as school buses and preventive maintenance for energy-saving infrastructure. The board reviewed two budget scenarios involving different allocations between the operations fund and the operating referendum fund, which impact tax rates and levy limits. The session also covered the potential issuance of a 2027 general obligation bond for capital projects, with an emphasis on maintaining financial flexibility for future needs. Additionally, the board discussed staff compensation, rising costs such as property insurance and diesel fuel, and software contract renewals, including a new contract with Parent Square. The meeting highlighted the importance of careful levy management under state-imposed maximum levy growth quotients and the impact of tax increment financing (TIF) on assessed valuation and tax rates. The board planned to advertise both budget options to allow further analysis and public input before final adoption in December.