The South Bend School Board held its first public budget meeting for 2026.

CFO Ahnaf Tahmid said the district is reviewing past budgets to find savings while keeping education funding strong.

The board added two extra work sessions to give the public more input on spending decisions, calling it a “New Era of Trust and Transparency.”

With limited revenue growth expected next year, the district plans to end its SSC partnership to save nearly $5 million and explore new medical insurance options for employees.

This was the first of three budget meetings; the next session is September 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Brown Administration Building.