The Hillsborough Board of Education approved a final budget with a 1.31 percent levy increase at the April 30 meeting. In the initial budget meeting, the board discussed increasing the general tax levy from $2,891,204 to $147,451,418. Michael Volpe, the superintendent, said he believed that this money could be used in many ways for the district. Additionally, in that meeting the board stated how the residents are still paying the tax increase from the last year. 

Despite residents being upset over high taxes, this increase is due to reduced state funding this year. In the meeting, some residents expressed how the inflation throughout the years has been increasing and their affordability to live is being challenged. 

Any reductions were made in the budget throughout the schools such as for the architectural fee for a proposed transportation center. Some other intended cuts were a kindergarten teacher, K-6 math supervisor, and an automatic license plate reader. Initially, Superintendent Michael Volpe’s original budget included hiring more kindergarten teachers, but due to lower student enrollment, not as many teachers may be needed.

Volpe gave his insight on the budget. “I view the outcome as a good, constructive compromise for our community. While budget seasons always require balancing competing priorities, this final version allows us to maintain our core educational commitments while remaining fiscally responsible.” Additionally, he talked about his plan for the future. “My primary hope as Superintendent is that we can establish an earlier direction for next year’s budget. By setting priorities and parameters ahead of schedule, our administrative team and the board can collaborate more effectively, thoroughly vet our options, and streamline the process. In fact, we are already beginning the groundwork for that next cycle now.”

Before the final budget which was proposed, $7,000 were added to the district’s robotics team for support. About $1 million was cut from the proposed budget. After the vote of 5-4, a spending plan of $181.7 million spending was passed for the 2026-7 school year.