KDSN RADIO News
IKM-Manning Proposes Property Tax Levy Increase to Address Special Education Deficit
Dr. Angela Huseman, the superintendent of IKM-Manning, has shared a video to explain the district’s proposed property tax levy rate increase for the 2026 fiscal year. Currently, residents pay $9.51207 per $1,000 of taxable value, but this rate is set to rise by about $1.24, bringing it to $10.75117. The increase, according to Huseman, is necessary to strengthen the cash reserve in the district’s general fund levy, which will help cover the deficit in special education funding.
Huseman clarified that while public schools do receive federal funds for special education services, those funds are often insufficient to cover the actual cost of the programs. This issue is particularly affecting IKM-Manning and many other districts across Iowa, which collectively face a special education funding shortfall of $122 million.
Addressing concerns from residents, Huseman assured that this tax increase is not tied to any new building projects in the district. The additional funds will primarily go into the General Fund, which is mainly used for staff salaries and curriculum expenses. Even with the proposed increase, Huseman pointed out that IKM-Manning still has one of the lowest tax rates in the Western Iowa Conference.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Huseman directly. A public hearing on the proposed tax rate will take place on March 24 at 6 p.m. in the IKM-Manning High School library, offering an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions.
