Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz

ST. JOHN — The Lake Central School Board approved on Monday night a $137 million budget for 2026 as the district braces for anticipated decreased property tax revenue and declining enrollment.

The spending plan is relatively flat compared to this year's certified budget . It includes $73.5 million for the education fund, $27 million for the operations fund, $14 million for the referendum fund, $12.9 million for the referendum debt fund and $9.3 million for the debt service fund.

The total tax rate approved by the board was nearly 87 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, the rate is expected to be lower when the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance finalizes the district's budget before the end of this year.

District officials previously warne

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