The Blue Valley Board of Education meeting held on September 8, 2025, focused on budget discussions, particularly concerning the mill levy and property taxes. Board members expressed differing views on the proposed revenue measures, with some raising concerns about the financial burden on residents.

One board member criticized the revenue side of the budget, describing it as a "money grab" that unfairly impacts voters and renters in Johnson County. This member argued that the current mill levy and property tax rates exceed what is necessary for the capital budget, suggesting that the district could operate with a lower tax burden.

In response, another board member explained the rationale behind the proposed 9-mill levy for the bond and interest fund. They noted that the district is managing a significant debt repayment schedule and emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable tax rate to avoid drastic fluctuations in future years. This member highlighted the need for reserves to support upcoming bond offerings, which may include expansion projects.

The discussion also touched on the finance committee's role in reviewing budgetary decisions. One member pointed out that the committee had not previously discussed reducing the mill levy, indicating a lack of consensus on the issue. They emphasized the importance of smoothing out tax expectations for residents to prevent sudden increases in property taxes.

As the meeting concluded, board members acknowledged the need for further discussions on capital investments and the potential for future bond referendums. The board plans to continue evaluating its financial strategies to balance the needs of the district with the financial realities faced by taxpayers.