Madison school board approves 2026-27 budget

The Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education unanimously approved its 2026–27 budget, which prioritizes early literacy, full-day 4K, multilingual programs, career and technical education, and staff retention and development. About 80% of district spending goes to wages and other personnel costs, while rising health care, compensation, inflation, and operating expenses are straining finances. The district says local taxpayers fund roughly 90% of its annual budget, reflecting what district leaders describe as inadequate state funding and growing reliance on property taxes. A $100 million operating referendum approved by Madison voters in 2024 provides additional revenue over four years, but district leaders say it does not resolve the longer-term funding challenges.