MNPS presents FY26 budget priorities; federal grants and child nutrition funding highlighted

Chief Financial Officer Jorge Robles presented Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools' proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and related funds to the board finance committee, outlining four priorities and projecting the district's federal, state and child nutrition funding for next year.

Robles told the committee the budget is built around four board priorities: preserving continuity of operations, funding strategic investments, advancing employee compensation and expanding comprehensive safety and security planning. "That level of funding has been right now set at the same level as this year for next year," Robles said of major federal grants.

The presentation summarized three specific fund areas. Robles said federal and state grants in the FY26 federal programs and grants budget are projected at about $143,000,000 in total, with roughly $43,000,000 from state grants and the rest from federal grants. He noted that a prior revenue source described in the presentation as "SR 3" will sunset, removing approximately $37,000,000 that had been available this year. On child nutrition, Robles said the total expected budget is "a little bit over $68,000,000" — an increase he attributed largely to a projected rise in meals served. "The increase from this year to the next is about $6,000,000," he said.

Robles described how some operating costs are recurring: equipment, software and upkeep for safety and security systems put in at high schools would require recurring operating funds to maintain. He also said employee step increases are already included in operating funds and referenced a 1.6% cost example for planning purposes. On programmatic funding, he said many schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision and that the district currently claims reimbursements under that classification.

Committee members asked about the stability of federal formula funding given recent federal-level change discussions. In response to a direct question about whether the district anticipates a loss in federal funding, Robles said, "At this point, we don't." He added that the largest federal amounts are formula grants appropriated by Congress and that, as of the presentation, there was no indication those formula amounts would change for FY26.

Board members probed contingency planning and budget transparency. Board member Tyler asked whether contingency plans or partner relationships exist should federal funding decline; Robles said the finance team conducts scenario planning but noted there would be no easy path if major federal, state and local revenue sources were reduced simultaneously. Board member Young stressed board prerogatives over spending and warned against allowing the mayor or Metro Council to reallocate district priorities: "I don't want the mayor and council to feel that they get to pick and choose how we get to spend our money," Young said.

Committee discussion also described the district's aspirational budgeting tool and timeline. Robles and other members explained that the FY26 presentation is intended to communicate MNPS priorities and investments to the mayor and Metro Council; the mayor's budget is expected May 1 and the Metro Council vote will finalize funding in June. Several members noted that some line items remain "TBD" because pension and health insurance rates are pending external decisions.

No formal committee vote on the FY26 budget was recorded during the meeting. The presentation concluded with committee members thanking Robles and the finance team; next formal steps are the mayor's May 1 budget communication and Metro Council's June vote.