SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Community School Corporation Board met Monday night to vote on the 2026 budget along with other various proposals.

The 2026 budget passed 7-0, and totals $213,254,807, a 3 percent increase compared to 2025's budget of $206,329,944.

The budget is higher despite impacts from year one of SEA1 and a projected $2 million revenue loss due to the student enrollment drop of about 250.

Board members noted this is the lowest enrollment decrease in recent history. SBCSC will also increase the property tax cap to $13 million to make up for SEA1.

The 2026-2030 school bus replacement plan also passed 7-0.

The bus replacement plan includes 46 buses between now and 2030. There will be no replacements in 2026.

The 2026-2028 capital projects plan passed 7-0.

Capital projects are expected to cost $44 million with SBCSC prioritizing certain upgrades.

A vote was also had to authorize raises for certain employees for 2025-2026. This passed 6-0 with one member abstaining.

This will reportedly make SBCSC the highest paying in the region for teachers and other roles, including bus drivers, paraprofessionals office personnel, and custodians.

All district teachers are set to get a flat $9,000 salary raise. $7,000 for 2025-26 and $2,000 for 26-27. This is still subject to an agreement with the National Teacher Association.

Other raises include:

• Bus drivers - $28-30/hour
• Paraprofessionals - $20/hour
• Office personnel - $20/hour
• Custodians - $20/hour

Employees will see a 20 percent raise on average.