By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – The school board got its first look at the district’s proposed $279 million balanced budget at a special board meeting Monday, Oct. 7, which includes the lowest mill rate since 2010, $9.97 per $1,000 of equalized value.
Angie Roble, executive director of finance for the district, said homeowners will overall see a slight increase in their property taxes due to a 4.55 percent increase in property values in Green Bay.
“The average home in Green Bay at $150,000, you will pay an additional or an increase of ($62.05) a year, which equates to about ($5.17) a month in increased taxes,” Roble said.
District staff emphasized they have kept the promise made to taxpayers during the 2017 referendum of not increasing the mill rate.
“We have the lowest mill rate over the last several years,” said Roble. “The district’s budget continues to align with the district’s strategic priorities of academic excellence, personalized pathways, engagement and thriving workforce. And it continues to maintain the board of education’s promise to taxpayers that the 2017 referendum would not increase the mill rate.”
Third Friday numbers put current enrollment at 21,072 throughout 42 schools, a decrease of 282 students from the 2018-19 school year.
Part of the balanced budget includes an increase of $5 million to special education, which includes the addition of bus aides to ride on special ed bus routes.
Roble said there are currently 70 aides in place and staff is working on placing aides on all of the special ed bus routes.
“The budget continues to reflect our efforts to meet the unique needs of all students,” said Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld. “Once again the district will be making a significant investment of $35 million from the general fund into special education.”
The public is invited to provide feedback on the budget at an engagement session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the district office.
A public hearing will be held the following week, followed by adoption by the board at its regular board meeting on Monday, Oct. 21,