Summerland School board plans budget hearing

Ed. note: The print edition of SAM has the wrong amount for the anticipated budget. Instead of $16.1 million, the print edition reports $16.1 billion. The correct amount has been updated in this article. SAM regrets the error.

Summerland Public School District will enter the 2024-2025 fiscal year with an anticipated budget of $16.1 million, which includes $11.825 million in the general fund, $3.25 million in the bond fund and just over $1 million in a special building fund.

The total property tax requirement is estimated at $8,286,459, with $2.29 million for bond purposes.

The budget, which will be considered when the board of education meets in regular session, Wednesday, Sept. 11. A budget hearing is set for 6:30 p.m., with tax levy request hearing and regular meeting to follow.

The board will also consider a new tax rate of $0.680515 per $100 of assessed property value, which includes $0.4682 for the general fund, $0.1825 for the bond fund and $0.0098 for the special building fund.

SPS Superintendent Molly Aschoff feels positive about the school's budget.

"The valuations increased by 9% and we were able to lower our levy by 3%."

Aschoff said the special building fund increase is to assist with future projects and regular building maintenance.

"We are exploring more parking options, along with storage options for equipment."