IKM-Manning Superintendent Dr. Angela Huseman has released a video explaining the district’s proposed property tax levy rate increase for fiscal year (FY) 2026. District residents currently pay 9.51207 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, which is looking to increase by approximately $1.24 to $10.75117. Huseman says the increase is to build up the cash reserve in the general fund levy to make up for the special education deficit. She explains that public schools receive federal funding to provide special education services, but most of the time, the programs provided cost more than the funding allocated. Huseman says that is the case for IKM-Manning and several other districts in the state, as Iowa public schools have a special education deficit of $122 million. Huseman says many residents have asked if this tax increase is due to IKM-Manning’s planning to build something new. This is not the case, as the funding will go into the General Fund account primarily used for staff salaries and curriculum. Even with the proposed increase, Huseman says IKM-Manning has one of the lowest tax rates in the Western Iowa Conference. District residents with questions are encouraged to reach out to Huseman. The public hearing on the proposed tax rate has been scheduled for March 24, at 6 p.m. at the IKM-Manning High School library, which would be the time for community members to voice any concerns. A link to Huseman’s video has been included below.
