The Hood River County School District Budget Committee needed only one meeting to review and approve the proposed budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year.  The Budget Committee approved the proposed budget of $101,861,888 by a 9-3 vote.  Additionally, the committee approved the imposition and categorization of ad valorem taxes, including the school district’s permanent tax rate of $4.8119 per $1,000 of assessed value, the $1.25 local option levy, and a general obligation bond levy of $5,232,600, by an 11-1 vote.  The budget includes a number of cuts resulting in eliminated positions, as district officials deal will a number of factors including declining enrollment, uncertain funding levels from the state of Oregon, and rising operational costs including jumps in Public Employee Retirement System contributions.  With the budget approved, a scheduled May 6 budget meeting has been canceled.  The approved budget will move forward to the district board for adoption in June.