The Marion Center School Board approved the preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year at last night’s meeting.
The vote was 8-1 for the board to put the $31,260,148 budget on public display before a final vote next month. That budget includes an increase in the real estate tax rate to 14.106 mills. Superintendent Clint Weimer said that increasing taxes by 4.5% is something they never want to do, but with increasing costs and cyber charter funding, they are forced into this situation.
The board also approved moving forward with a renovation project for Dr. John R. Mallino Stadium, which will install synthetic turf, restore and expand the track and enhance the bleachers. The project’s cost will not exceed $2.9 million with the costs being covered by grants, donations and the district’s capital projects reserve.
