Newton County Board adopts $265 million FY2026 budget, cites pay and benefit increases

The Newton County Board of Education on Tuesday adopted a $265,000,000 fiscal year 2026 budget that funds implementation of a classification and compensation study and covers rising employer benefit costs.

The budget, introduced by Chief Financial Officer Ms. Robinson, was approved after public review and work sessions. Board member Eddie Johnson moved to adopt the budget; Trey Bailey seconded the motion, and the board voted in favor.

The budget matters to taxpayers and employees because it shifts spending priorities in response to changes in state and local revenue. Ms. Robinson told the board the district expects a net decrease in state funding of about $2,200,000 driven by lower equalization and transportation allocations, while local revenue is projected to rise roughly $2,900,000 largely because of an estimated 6% increase in the local property digest and a planned distribution from joint development authorities.

Major cost drivers include a full-year implementation of the classification and compensation study estimated at $8,000,000 and increased employer costs: approximately $3,900,000 for health insurance premiums and $1,600,000 in employer contributions to the Teachers Retirement System. Overall the superintendent’s office presented the preliminary budget as an increase of $16,900,000 over FY2025; the presentation noted that roughly 88% of district expenditures are for salaries and benefits.

The board approved related procurement and personnel items during the same meeting: instructional resource purchases (items 13B1–13B16) and a $92,350 assessment program contract with Lennexions Incorporated (item 13C) were approved as presented. Personnel matters discussed in executive session (item 13O) were also approved. The board voted to table a proposed professional learning contract (item 13D) for further review (see separate article).

Superintendent Dr. Bradley and members of the board emphasized that the budget prioritizes employee compensation to retain and attract staff. Dr. Bridal (staff) and board members noted the budget development process included multiple phases of planning, review, and public hearings and that divisions submitted revised budget requests to align with district priorities.

The board will begin the millage-rate adoption process in July 2025. The budget documents and required public notices were published in the Covington News and on the district website as part of the process.