Board hears FY2026 tentative budget showing $265 million plan, state funding decline of about $2.2 million

A staff member presenting the district’s tentative budget told the Board of Education that the preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget totals $265,000,000 and reflects a net decrease in state support of about $2,200,000.

The presentation said the district expects state increases of roughly $4,500,000 tied to rising costs in the state health benefit plan and the Teachers Retirement System but faces larger reductions in other state funding streams, producing a net drop. "The most critical takeaway is a net decrease in state funding of approximately $2,200,000," the staff member said.

The budget overview matters because the district plans to fund the full implementation of a recent classification and compensation study while covering rising employer benefit costs. "This budget is a clear expression of our values, supporting our staff, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring that every financial decision supports the long term success of our students," the staff member said.

In the presentation, the staff member explained the district’s fund structure and development process and said the figures were updated after a district budget workshop on April 11 based on information from the Georgia Department of Education. The presenter cautioned that state estimates remain preliminary until the governor signs the Appropriations Act.

Key revenue changes cited in the presentation include an expected $2,100,000 increase tied to a projected 6% rise in the local property digest, an anticipated $1,300,000 distribution from joint development authorities, and a $2,000,000 increase associated with the local 5-mill share. Those gains, the staff member said, are partly offset by declines including a projected $4,400,000 drop in equalization funding and a $361,000 decrease in transportation funding; the presenter also cited a $550,000 projected decline in ad valorem taxes and investment earnings.

On the expenditure side, the staff member identified two primary drivers of the $16,900,000 increase over fiscal 2025: the full implementation of the classification and compensation study (estimated at $8,000,000) and higher employer benefit costs, including a $3,900,000 increase in employer health insurance premiums and a $1,600,000 rise in contributions to the Teachers Retirement System. Based on a projected enrollment of 18,747 students, the presenter calculated an estimated per-pupil expenditure of $14,138 for FY2026.

The staff member outlined next steps and public process requirements: publication of the tentative budget in the county’s legal organ and on the district website, two public hearings scheduled for May 13 and May 20, anticipated board adoption of the FY2026 budget at the May 20 meeting, and millage-rate adoption in July 2025. Superintendent Bradley was present during the presentation; no formal vote occurred during the meeting on the tentative budget.

The presentation emphasized transparency, accountability and alignment of resources with board priorities while noting that continued reductions in state funding could shift more of the fiscal burden to local taxpayers. The staff member closed by thanking board members and said the team would remain available for questions and further discussion.