LSR7 Budget Town Hall - 9/8/26

The Lee's Summit R-7 School District held a Budget Town Hall on September 8, 2026, to discuss the district's financial status, revenue challenges, and potential tax rate adjustments. Superintendent David Buck and Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Chad Herzog presented detailed information on the district's revenue sources, including local, state, and federal funding, and highlighted significant cost increases in areas such as bus fuel, utilities, and medical insurance. They explained the impact of Missouri's funding formula, recent state budget shortfalls, and Jackson County's residential tax credits on the district's budget. A key focus was the voluntary rollback of the tax levy implemented in 2023, which reduced local revenue but was intended to provide taxpayer relief. Due to declining state funding and the county's tax credits, the district faces a budget deficit and is considering reinstating some or all of the rollback to maintain financial stability. Various scenarios were presented showing the effects of different rollback levels on the district's fund balance and taxpayer impact. The board will decide on the tax rate after a public hearing, with community input encouraged. The meeting also addressed questions about budget transparency, the impact of tax increment financing (TIFs), and the importance of maintaining a 25% fund balance to meet financial obligations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion centered on budget allocations and potential revenue adjustments affecting future district spending.