The Storm Lake Community School District Board of Education has officially adopted next year’s budget, following a brief public hearing last night where no residents were present and no comments were offered.
Board President Dave Skibsted opened the hearing just after 5 p.m., noting the opportunity for public input before the board moved to action.
With no one in attendance, the hearing closed almost immediately, and the board shifted to adopting the budget. School Business Official Trudy Pedersen emphasized that the budget remained unchanged from what was published in the district’s official notice.
The 2026–27 budget sets a property‑tax levy of $19.10 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. The plan also includes an 8 percent income surtax, the maximum at‑risk program, and a 10 percent instructional support levy.
Pedersen summarized the district’s financial picture, which continues to be shaped by declining enrollment, rising insurance costs, and a growing special education deficit.
The budget summary shows total revenues of $55.1 million, with total resources of $70.6 million when beginning fund balances are included. Instruction remains the district’s largest expense at $29.9 million, followed by $16 million for support services and $3.2 million for non‑instructional programs such as nutrition and community education.
Other expenditures — including facilities, construction, debt service, and Area Education Agency payments — are budgeted at $9.57 million, down sharply from this year as major construction projects wind down.
Pedersen also highlighted the district’s plan to levy $1.75 million in cash reserves to help cover a $1.98 million special education deficit, and a $1.25 million management levy to address rising insurance premiums.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the budget. It will now be certified to the Buena Vista County Auditor ahead of the April 30 deadline.
