The Newton School Board is proposing no change in the property tax levy for the new fiscal year that starts July 1st. Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger says the levy is proposed to stay at the current rate of $15.86. The level rate is being achieved despite some financial challenges. The Newton School District has been enduring declining enrollment, which means less state aid. There’s also the inflation factor, and several current and future facility improvements. But Superintendent Messenger says an early bond payment related to the building of the new Berg Middle School, which opened in 2019, has helped. 

“By making that extra payment, I believe it was a little over $600,000 this year, we are able to see savings in interest down the road for that building.”

Messenger added that he feels the fiscal responsibility the district and school board are working towards, is showing respect to taxpayers. A public hearing on the proposed $15.86 property tax levy in the Newton School District for Fiscal Year 2026 will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 24th at the EJH Beard Conference Center on First Avenue West in Newton. Newton Superintendent Tom Messenger talks more about the proposed property tax levy and possible improvement projects at H.A. Lynn Stadium and the baseball field, on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.