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MMPS budget presentation moves curriculum adoptions and step increases into base operating plan
Summary
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools presented a proposed FY26 operating budget that would fold textbook adoptions and step increases into the ongoing operating budget, preserve several one-time investments as ongoing supports, and list safety and other aspirational items for future funding if revenue becomes available.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools presented a proposed FY26 operating budget that would add recurring funding for textbook adoptions and make step increases a permanent part of the operating budget, Chief Financial Officer Jorge Robles said during a board finance committee meeting March 25.
Robles said the district plans to budget for required curriculum adoptions using a six‑year average so purchases can be completed in spring and ready for students in August. "The amount that we're including is calculated based on a 6 year average of all the curriculum adoption needs that the state requires," Robles said.
The proposal aligns with four board priorities the board approved last month: continuity of operations, continuing strategic investments, making ESSER funding part of the operating fund, and a new priority for comprehensive safety and security planning. Robles said continuity of operations includes inflationary and contractual increases, growing special education and English-language learner supports, utilities and other essential services, and a small investment to complete a customer‑service associate strategy.
Robles told the board the district intends to treat step increases as part of its ongoing operating commitments rather than a one‑time item. He said the district already moved the step increase into the continuity-of-operations budget and that the board approved last year’s step investment. "We also invested in our team members through the 4% call up approved by Metro City Council and this step increase that is now part of our operating budget," Robles said.
Robles also flagged safety and security as a new board priority for FY26. He described ongoing work on high school safety measures, including an existing weapons‑detection project now focused on high schools and estimated at about $1,200,000 to expand into additional schools if funds allow. "These are investments that we would only be able to pursue if the fund becomes available," he said.
Board members praised the proposal to budget curriculum adoptions into the base. One board member said using a multi‑year average would help the district avoid being behind on state‑required materials and reduce late‑purchase penalties. Robles said other aspirational items, such as expanding in‑house custodial staff or additional school supports, are presented for consideration to the mayor and Metro Council but are not included in the continuity or bridge budgets at this time.
Robles closed by outlining the timeline: the district will present this information in a community meeting on March 26, continue discussions with Metro government in April, and expect the mayor’s budget proposal and final approvals to occur leading up to June.
The board did not take a vote on the budget during the meeting; Robles said additional details will follow as Metro government finalizes revenue assumptions.
