An inaccurate location listed for the USD 365 Budget Hearing in a previously published budget has forced the rescheduling of that hearing to September 26th, when Board Members and the Public will address a $476,000 local tax increase over last year. The local taxpayer portion of this year’s budget rides on the back of an 18% increase in the District’s Assessed Property Valuation due to increases in local property values, from $89.6 million last year to $105.9 million in 2022-2023. This includes an increase in COVID Stimulus Funds. Superintendent Don Blome says these funds are earmarked for “learning loss” areas, such as Summer School, after school tutoring, professional development, curriculum changes, retention incentives to maintain employees, etc. Blome said those funds have to be spent by 2024. The hearing is set for 7:30 the evening of September 26th at the District Office.
