The Board of Education for the Solon Community School District approved several key financial and policy actions during its meeting on March 10, including setting a public hearing for the district’s 2027 budget, authorizing up to $3.29 million in bond sales, and updating multiple policies.
The board also discussed a proposed urban renewal area from the City of Solon that could impact district finances in the future.
Budget hearing set
The school board will hold a public hearing on the 2027 budget Thursday, April 16, at 5:40 p.m. at the Central Office building.
Treasurer Pat Moore said the hearing allows the district to set its property tax rate and maximum spending for instruction, support services, noninstructional programs, and other costs.
The district is proposing to raise property taxes from the current rate of $16.20 per $1,000 of taxable property value to $16.23 per $1,000 taxable value. The proposed change would equal around $27 more per $100,000 of residential property value, according to district documents. For a home valued at roughly $400,000 — the median price in Solon — that would equal about $108 more per year.
Urban renewal area proposal discussed
A proposed urban renewal area from the City of Solon that would help fund a community center project could impact the school district, officials said.
According to a 2025 article in the Solon Economist, city officials have been exploring redevelopment and expansion of the downtown area, specifically near East North Street and North Dubuque Street, where several properties were purchased and demolished for future development. The area is part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan to expand the downtown district and encourage economic growth.
The proposal would utilize tax increment financing, also known as TIF. This would freeze property values for taxing entities like the district. As values increase, the district does not receive tax revenue from that growth.
“It basically freezes at a certain level, and any growth in the value of that property we don’t get the tax,” School Board Vice President Tim Brown said.
The proposal would not affect the 2027 budget but could alter finances in future years, Brown said.
Bond resolution approved
Board members authorized the issuance of general obligation school bonds not to exceed $3.29 million. The bonds are tied to district construction projects and would be repaid through property taxes to repay the debt over time.
Policy updates approved
Several policies were approved, including the second reading of updates to Policy Series 600 and 300 and the first reading of policy primer updates.
Most of the changes align district policies with the Iowa Association of School Boards and recent updates to state laws, such as updating language or removing policies.
The 600 Series focuses on the district’s education program and includes changes related to curriculum development, instructional materials, programs, and technology uses. Some updates also addressed how to prohibit students from checking out or accessing specific library and instructional materials.
The 300 Series covers school district administration with policies related to roles and responsibilities.
Additionally, the first reading of policy primer updates related to equal education opportunity policies was approved. This includes updating policy language and adding a civil rights complaints procedure and form for school nutrition programs.
Student achievements recognized
District officials highlighted several recent accomplishments by Solon students in athletics, academics, and the arts.
• Seven wrestlers qualified for the state tournament, with Lucas Feuerbach and Anderson Osgood finishing as runners-up.
• The boys basketball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 2016.
• 26 students participated in two performances and the production of Bard in a Box: Taming of the Shrew.
• Solon hosted a vocal jazz festival with four schools attending, where three students received $1,000 scholarships and several others were recognized as outstanding soloists.
• The middle school jazz band performed at the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Jazz Festival, taking home first place; several students were selected as outstanding soloists.
• Ninth graders hosted mock interviews with 19 community members.
• Solon Intermediate School and Lakeview Elementary celebrated Read Across America week with community members and high school students.
“The fact that we could celebrate instruments, vocals, play, drama alongside the boys and the wrestling, it just really describes our community,” Board member Cassie Rochholz said. “I’m really thankful that we have these opportunities for our kids to excel.”
Madison Schuler is a student in the UI Community News class