The Storm Lake Community School District Board of Education has taken the next step toward setting next year’s budget, voting Wednesday to publish the district’s proposed spending plan and tax levy for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
School Business Official Trudy Pedersen walked board members through the official notice of public hearing, which outlines the district’s projected revenues and expenditures.
She said next year’s total resources are expected to come in at $57.8 million, a noticeable drop from this year’s total because of one-time bond proceeds that boosted the 2025–26 budget.
The budget documents show $29.9 million allocated for instruction, $16 million for support services, and $3.2 million for non‑instructional programs such as nutrition and community education. Another $9.5 million is planned for facilities, construction, debt service, and AEA payments—a decrease from this year as major construction work winds down.
The proposed property‑tax levy for 2026–27 is $19.10 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, an increase of about $1.16 from the current year.
The public hearing on the full 2026–27 budget is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the district administration building. The board must certify the final budget to the county auditor by April 30.
