The Lead-Deadwood School District is proposing a budget for the 2026-2027 school year that reflects declining tax revenue, lower enrollment, and rising operating costs.
District officials say changes to South Dakota’s property tax laws will reduce revenue from owner-occupied properties by an estimated 1.1 million dollars. At the same time, student enrollment has dropped from 637 to 598, reducing the amount of funding available for capital outlay projects.
Business Manager Amanda Trople says the district is also facing higher costs for salaries, utilities, insurance, and other expenses. Superintendent Erik Person says the district will need to become more efficient in the years ahead to address what he described as a long-term structural funding challenge.
Despite the financial pressures, district leaders say local taxpayers will still see significant savings because of reduced property tax levies. Officials are working to balance the budget and may rely on transfers between funds to help cover short-term gaps.
The final budget is expected to be presented to the school board on August 11.
