Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
March 23, 2026 – 6:15 p.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Kirah Johnson, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Staff Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Business Manager/Board Secretary Jeff Swartzentruber
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Public Hearing at 6:15 P.M. for the 2026-2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy
Board President Billups opened the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. He asked if anyone from the Public wanted to speak on the 2026-2027 School Year Proposed Property Tax Levy. X people were recognized and asked questions for clarification of whether their taxes would increase.
Comments included:
- A couple asked questions about the rate of increase on page two of the mailing. There is concern that the rate provided on the mailing was in excess of 3.5% for 2026-2027. Others were present to listen to the questions and answers provided. Others were present to listen. No one else talked.
School Business Official, Jeff Swartzentruber explained the current tax rate and process. The rate for the hearing was set based upon the Iowa Legislature and Governor passing the bill to set the School Spending Authority (SSA) at 2% on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The due date to file with the Washington County Auditor was 4 p.m. on March 5, 2026 requiring the District to make some conservative assumptions. Swartzentruber provided some history and context. The 2025-2026 proposed rate at this Hearing was $13.15 versus the 2024-2025 actual property tax rate of $13.10. Final filed in April of 2025 was $13.09. With legislative changes after April 30, 2025, the rate settled at $13.04 after June 30, 2025. For the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year this Hearing shows the rate at $13.08. The rate was set at that point given the unknown outcomes in the provisions in the bill that were not included in the Iowa Department of Management budget tools until March 16, 2026. The provisions of the bill are now known, so a rework of the Property Tax provisions is underway. The revised, current rate for 2026-2027 School Year is in the process of being proposed in the $13.01 to $13.04 range. There would be some expectation that additional legislation will result in changes before June 30, 2027. The District can go up to $13.08, but not higher, should the changes result in a higher property tax rate.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.