(KAIR)--Two public hearings are set for next month as the USD 409 Board of Education considers adoption of the budget for the Atchison Public Schools.

That follows a special meeting of the Board of Education last week, which included a budget presentation, breaking down the ins and outs of the document.

The proposed 2021-2022 budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $39.2 million, and a slight decrease in the property tax levy. It contains an estimated tax rate of 53.525 mills, which amounts to a .247 mill decrease. The amount of tax to be levied is more than $5 million.

The Board of Education, during their meeting scheduled for September 13, will consider adoption of the budget, following a public hearing. A second public hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing, with public comments welcomed regarding the school district’s intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate, as established through new legislation during the Kansas Legislature’s last session.