Albion school budget proposes no tax increase for 18th time in last 20 years
ALBION – The Albion school district’s proposed 2026-27 budget will again be holding the line on property taxes, the 18th time in the past 20 years without a tax increase.
Registered voters in the Albion school district will go to the polls on May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. A district art show will also be on display at the library during the vote.
“We are proud to once again propose a tax levy with no increase, continuing our long-standing effort to either reduce or maintain the levy whenever possible,” said Linda Weller, the Board of Education president. “While rising operational costs and uncertainty in state and federal funding continue to present challenges, we remain committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with meaningful investment in our students and programs.”
The district is proposing a $45,615,036 budget, which is up 1.93 percent or $864,551 from the current budget.
The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
“Our priorities include maintaining small class sizes, strengthening student support services, enhancing technology and ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional and well-maintained,” Weller said the district’s budget newsletter.
School officials will discuss the budget during a public hearing at 6 p.m. on May 12 at the LGI in the high school.
The vote on May 19 includes proposition one for the budget and proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses. Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library.
There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The incumbents – Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt and David Sidari – all are not seeking re-election.
The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.
The candidates include:
• Kaitlyn Panek – A farm office manager, Panek is an Albion graduate. She said she brings organizational and financial expertise as well as a personal commitment to the district.
“My top priority is maintaining a high-quality, safe environment where every student has the resources to succeed,” she said. “I am invested in having transparency between the community and district to ensure budgets are clear and accountable.”
• Jaime Allport – A court clerk for the Town of Albion, Allport is a lifelong Albion resident who said she understands the community’s values, strengths and challenges. She has been a long-time volunteer, especially with the Albion youth football program.
“My perspective, combined with a proven record of service, will help guide thoughtful decisions that benefit both current students and future generations,” she said.
• Michelle Waters – The owner of the Tree House School of Play in Albion, Waters said strong schools are built through open communication, thoughtful decision-making and a willingness to listen.
“My goal is to help shape schools that keep students at the center, while supporting teachers and staff who show up for them every day,” Waters said.
