The School District of Benton is placing an operational referendum on the ballot for Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  The referendum question asks voters for "authority" or "permission" to exceed the revenue limit and levy taxes to provide additional operating revenue.  The revenue limit is a State law which limits the amount of revenue the School District receives from state aid and property taxes to pay operating expenses.  

The School District of Benton has previously held successful operational referendums in 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2022.  The last operational referendum approved by voters in April 2022 provided $420,000 of revenue for the operating budget for the last four years, and expired this school year ("non-recurring").  This revenue will not be available for next school year's budget without voter approval.  Therefore, the 2026 Referendum is asking voters' permission to continue to exceed the revenue limit for the next four school years.  

The 2026 Referendum is asking permission to continue the $420,000 of tax levy revenue, and an additional $250,000 (total $670,000) for next year, and an additional $300,000 (total $720,000) for the following three budget years.  This will provide operating funds to pay operating expenses including curriculum costs, student activities and programs, technology equipment, salaries, benefits, utilities, transportation, insurance, etc.  and to provide funding for annual inflationary impact on the operating budget, maintain the District's current level of operations and staff retention, and preserve the District's solid financial position.