Coffee County schools present $52.2 million draft budget, propose 4% staff pay increase and new after‑school program

Coffee County school officials presented a draft 2025–26 budget to the county Budget and Finance Committee on April 5, saying the district expects roughly $52.2 million in total revenue and is proposing a 4% pay increase for all certified and classified staff.

The presentation, given by a school system representative identified in the meeting as April, said the district used current local revenue figures and March state estimates to build the budget. April said the district’s largest revenue source is state funding—citing an estimated state allotment of about $33,460,000 for the 2025–26 school year—and an increase of roughly $800,000 compared with prior estimates. The draft shows projected total revenue of about $52,200,000 for the full year.

The nut graf: The draft raises all staff 4% and adds programs that shift some costs to families in the short term. District officials said the increases are intended to accelerate a requirement that all teachers reach a $50,000 minimum by the 2026–27 school year and…