Takeaways from Garden City USD 457 Education Board Meeting
Week of August 28, 2026
USD 457 board approves $148.8 million budget for 2026-2027
New budget targets staff retention, English as a second language and social emotional learning supports
School board lowers mill levy for local taxpayers
High school bond on track for early payoff by 2032 or 2033
USD 457 board approves $148.8 million budget for 2026-2027
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The Garden City USD 457 Board of Education unanimously approved a $148.8 million budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The spending authority represents the total potential expenditures for the district, a gross figure that includes $43.5 million in internal transfers that must route through the general fund before being distributed to at-risk and bilingual programs. Because these transfer funds are counted twice—once in the general fund and again in their respective program funds—the district's actual net spending is lower. District officials, including Superintendent Josh Guymon and Chief Financial Officer Jessica Nothern, emphasized that the $148.8 million figure is merely the maximum spending authority and that the district does not intend to spend the full amount.
New budget targets staff retention, English as a second language and social emotional learning supports
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The newly approved 2026-2027 budget incorporates funding for five top district priorities: increased pay to boost staff retention, added interventionists for academic achievement, professional development, social emotional learning curriculum and behavior supports, and English as a second language and family outreach. The budget also provides dedicated funding for extra learning time for committees and stipends for participating educators.
School board lowers mill levy for local taxpayers
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Local property taxpayers will see a slight decrease in their school taxes this year after the board approved a reduction of 0.418 mills. The district will levy 51 mills this cycle, generating just under $24 million in local tax revenue. In addition to the mill levy reduction, a lower local option budget (LOB) percentage will save taxpayers an estimated $175,464. The board, whose members include President Mark Hinde, approved the reduction to provide tangible tax relief to residents compared to the previous year's rate of 51.418 mills.
High school bond on track for early payoff by 2032 or 2033
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Garden City High School's construction bond is on track to be paid off early, according to an update provided by Chief Financial Officer Jessica Nothern during the budget hearing. The district currently owes $61.35 million on the bond. Officials project the remaining debt will be fully paid off by 2032 or 2033.
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