Perry School Board Approves Superintendent Contract

District also lowers property tax levy for upcoming fiscal year

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:26pm

A bold, colorful grid of silkscreen-style images depicting a single school supply item, conceptually representing the routine administrative decisions made by the Perry School Board to support local education.The Perry School Board's approval of a new superintendent contract and lower property tax rate aims to maintain stability and affordability for the local community.Perry Today

The Perry School Board held a special meeting this week, approving a new contract for the district's superintendent, Tom Ryherd, effective July 1. The board also approved a slight decrease in the property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year and made other routine budget adjustments.

Why it matters

The superintendent contract and property tax decisions are important annual actions that impact the local community, teachers, and families in the Perry school district. Maintaining stable leadership and reasonable tax rates are key factors in providing quality public education.

The details

During the special meeting, the school board first held a public hearing on the property tax statement. The district's current property tax levy is $18.58, and the proposed rate for fiscal year 2027 was approved at $18.53, a five-cent decrease. The board also approved an amendment to the 2025-26 certified budget and the 2026-27 certified budget for publication, following a presentation by the district's finance director. Additionally, the board approved a resolution to sell Series 2026 SAVE bonds to the low bidder and the contract for Tom Ryherd to continue serving as the Perry Community School District Superintendent.

  • The school board met in a special session on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The new superintendent contract for Tom Ryherd will be effective starting July 1, 2026.

The players

Perry School Board

The governing body responsible for overseeing the Perry Community School District.

Tom Ryherd

The current superintendent of the Perry Community School District, whose contract was renewed by the school board.

Dallon Christensen

The Executive Director of Finance and Business Solutions for the Perry Community School District, who presented the budget information to the school board.

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What’s next

The school board will likely hold additional meetings throughout the year to monitor the district's finances and operations under the new superintendent contract and budget.

The takeaway

The Perry School Board's actions demonstrate their commitment to fiscal responsibility and stable leadership, which are crucial for providing quality public education to the local community.