New School Budget Delivers Tax Relief and Student-Centered Investment
The Superior Board of Education has formally approved the School District of Superior’s budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. It maintains a balanced $59.6 million operating budget with minimal spending growth.
The finalized budget secures tax relief for the greater Spartan community and remains fully committed to student achievement, classroom resources, and long-term success.
Key takeaways from the 2026–2027 budget include:
•Total school tax levy: Lowered to $26.88 million, down 2.12% ($581,242) from 2025–2026.
• Estimated tax rate: Reduced to $6.79 per $1,000 of equalized value, down $0.86 from last year’s $7.65 rate.
• Operating budget: Fully balanced at $59.6 million.
• Overall expenses: Increased by 0.59% ($350,000), well below the current inflation rate of 3.7%.
• State equalization aid: Increased by $2.1 million (7.1%) over last year, though overall Fund 10
revenues are projected to decrease.
Douglas County residents who live within the school district’s boundaries may have noticed that their overall equalized property values went up by 10.2%, increasing from $3.59 billion to $3.95 billion. In public school finance, higher local property values generally mean a reduction in state aid in future years.
However, local taxpayers will see direct tax relief this year due to property value trends from the previous year.
The district received $32.22 million in state equalization aid, a $2.1 million increase over the previous year. This significant gain in state support allowed the district to reduce the total local tax levy by $581,242. As a result, local mill rates dropped by $0.86 per $1,000 of property value.
The School District of Superior’s operating expenses grew by only 0.59% ($350,000) during the previous year.
To achieve this balanced result, the district absorbed two major external cost drivers:
• A $1.9 million increase in health insurance costs for staff members.
• An 11% increase in state voucher school costs, totaling $614,956. District enrollment reflects broader demographic shifts occurring across the nation. The current enrollment of 3,755 students (using the third Friday count) represents a decrease of 130 from 2025–2026, aligning with lower birth rates reported throughout Wisconsin. Despite changing enrollment numbers, the district maintains a strong focus on high student outcomes and support systems:
• Graduation rates consistently remain above the Wisconsin state average.
• Dedicated K-12 learning support systems provide targeted help to students who need it most.
“We are ensuring that all our students come first and are committed to their achievement,” said David See,
School District of Superior Chief Financial Officer. “The district continues to remain fiscally conservative in
our actions while focusing on our mission. This budget allows us to continue offering great services without
making negative changes to the classroom.”
The School District of Superior extends its deepest gratitude to local community members and families for
passing the 2024 operational referendum. Through this continued partnership, the community and the
district work hand-in-hand to maintain high-quality academic programming, preserve essential classroom
teachers and support staff, and keep learning environments safe and welcoming for every child.
Additional information about Superior’s business office and the full budget booklet are available online. A
hard copy of the booklet can be provided upon request.
