HSE unveils $325.9M 2027 budget with cuts, planned raises; public hearing set Oct. 14

Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. revealed its advertised 2027 budget to the board and public on Sept. 23: a $325.9 million spending plan roughly $15 million lower than the current year. District finance officials said the advertised figure is about $2 million higher than their internal forecast to provide a cushion. The presentation cites reduced revenue projections tied to the 2025 property tax law overhaul (Senate Enrolled Act 1).

The draft budget anticipates salary increases for teachers and other staff that will be negotiated through collective bargaining. HSE noted enrollment declines that are expected to reduce state funding by about $500,000 in 2027 and pointed to prior spring staffing reductions that produced roughly $8 million in savings for 2026. The district is asking voters to consider a Nov. 3 referendum proposing a maximum levy rate of 36 cents per $100 of net assessed value over eight years, with officials earlier saying they planned to start at 22 cents and rise toward about 33 cents by 2034. A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for 2026-10-14, with adoption expected 2026-10-28.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.