Fort Mitchell homeowners in the Beechwood school district would pay about $112 more per year in property taxes under a rate increase the school board approved Aug. 17 to boost teacher pay that ranks near the bottom in Northern Kentucky.

The Beechwood Independent Schools board voted 3-1 at its regular meeting to propose raising the real property tax rate to 84.9 cents per $100 of assessed value, up from 82.5 cents in 2025-26. The board simultaneously proposed lowering the personal property tax rate to 90 cents from 91.4 cents. Together, the changes would generate 4% more property tax revenue than last year, according to LINK nky.

Superintendent Justin Kaiser told the board the majority of that new revenue would go toward teacher raises. A salary study Kaiser provided to LINK nky shows Beechwood's highest-certified teachers rank lowest or second-lowest in Northern Kentucky for the 2026-27 school year. That ranking dropped even after the district awarded large raises during the prior school year.

"We're just trying to prevent the gap from getting bigger," Kaiser said at the meeting.

Board member Kyle Burns framed the cost in household terms, noting a $350,000 home would see roughly $112 more per year. He argued the raises send a signal even if they don't vault Beechwood above neighboring districts in the salary rankings.

Board member Jeanne Berger cast the lone no vote. She said she had been pushing for a smaller revenue increase all year without success, arguing that any rate hike stays with taxpayers beyond a single year.

Board member Laura Wooten was absent.

Under new Kentucky rules, the district must advertise the proposed rates for two weeks before the board can officially adopt them at a public hearing. Board attorney Aaren Meehan said the new advertising rules were unclear but cautioned against proposing rates higher than what the board intends to adopt. Board members said they wanted to settle on rates they plan to approve, for transparency.

Residents can contact the district at 54 Beechwood Road, Fort Mitchell, for the public hearing date.