
Linn-Mar Board Sets 2025-26 Budget: Keeping Tax Rate Flat While Supporting Student Needs
We’re pleased to share highlights from Linn-Mar’s certified budget for the 2025-26 school year. This budget was shared and approved during the Monday, April 28 Board of Directors meeting.
Here’s what Linn-Mar families should know:
- The Board of Directors approved the annual budget of $177 million, most of which will be used to support our teachers, staff, and student services. In fact, over 68% of our budget goes directly to instruction, helping to ensure every student has access to high-quality learning.
- The district’s overall tax rate will stay at $17.99 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The increase is just $0.0013, which is less than one cent, compared to the current fiscal year. In practical terms, this means the tax levy will remain flat, reflecting our ongoing commitment to balancing financial responsibility with meeting the needs of our students.
- For a homeowner with a $200,000 home, this means a small monthly increase of just $3.27.
- Although the amount was not yet to be signed into law by the Governor before the Linn-Mar board meeting, the budget assumes the district will receive a 2% increase State Supplemental Aid, or SSA, along with a $5 per pupil increase as proposed by the legislature. This translates to an additional $162 per student for Linn-Mar. While this increase is certainly appreciated, it does not keep pace with inflation or the rising costs associated with operating a school district.
Thanks to careful forecasting and planning, our district’s unspent balance and fund balance continue to improve in overall health which provides our district flexibility to address future needs as they arise.
“With nearly 7,500 students* in the district, we’re doing everything we can to stretch every dollar and keep our schools strong,” commented Chief Financial Officer and Operating Officer Jon Galbraith. “While we know school funding can be complex, our approach keeps the tax rate steady while still meeting important needs for our staff and students.”
As always, we appreciate your continued support in making Linn-Mar a great place to learn and grow!