(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Community School District Finance Director Lisa Jones, Wednesday, provided the Atlantic School Board with a report on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Property Tax Levy. As we’ve mentioned, a public hearing on the proposal will take place March 26^th at 6:30-p.m., in the High School Media Center, prior to the Board’s scheduled Work Session.

Jones said residents should receive a spread sheet in the mail by not later than March 20^th, breaking down the various proposed tax levies.

She said there are a lot of numbers on that spreadsheet, which can make it very confusing and shocking.

The Iowa Legislature for 2025–2026 budget includes a 2.25% increase in SSA (State Supplemental Aid), which would increase per-pupil funding for public schools by $176. The SSA is based on a state percent of growth rate. The Iowa House passed the bill with the 2.25% SSA rate. The Iowa Senate passed the legislation with a 2% SSA rate. Democrats proposed an amendment to increase the funding to 5%, but the amendment failed. Some school districts say the 2.25% increase is not enough. They say it doesn’t take into account inflation and rising costs.

Jones said because the Iowa Legislature has not set the SSA, the levy is based on the highest level allowed by law, once the rate is published. From there, the rate cannot go up, but it can go down. Currently, the Atlantic School District receives $7,826 per student in SSA.

Right now the district proposes $12.53/$1,000 assessed valuation. If State Aid rate comes out before the second meeting April, that could drop the rate to $12.526 (or less than a penny to what is currently proposed). The $12.53/1,000 rate would generate about $7-million for the district.

Jones said the public is encouraged to come to the meeting March 26^th at 6:30-p.m. In the High School Media Center, to ask questions about the levy and the district’s FY26 Budget.