Lake Central schools proposes $137M budget as it grapples with declining revenue, enrollment

Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz

ST. JOHN — Lake Central School Corp. officials are proposing a spending plan for 2026 that remains relatively flat compared to this year , as the district grapples with expected decreases in property tax revenues and a declining student population.

The proposed $136.7 million budget presented during Monday's school board meeting includes no increases to the $73.5 million education fund, which is used to pay for teacher salaries, educational programming and curricular materials. $27 million is being proposed for the operations fund, $1 million more than last year for the fund that covers maintenance and transportation expenses, as well as salaries for administrators and other non-teaching positions.

Additionally, $14 million is being allocated to the referend