Savannah‑Chatham schools warn federal cuts could be 'crippling'; district outlines contingencies, reports hiring gains and extends student transit

Superintendent Dr. Watts told reporters the district is closely monitoring federal developments after recent federal‑level staff reductions and proposals that could change how the U.S. Department of Education operates. She said Title I, special education, free‑and‑reduced‑price lunch and other federal programs provide “millions” of dollars that supplement the district’s general fund and that a significant reduction in those funds would be difficult for the district to replace.

Dr. Watts emphasized the district has not received explicit notice that federal grant dollars will be cut for fiscal year 2026, but she said the district is developing contingencies in case federal funding changes. One example she provided: reallocating Title I‑funded positions to cover local teacher vacancies so that staff would not lose jobs if federal funds decline. Dr. Watts warned that a sizable reduction in federal funds would likely require either reducing services or shifting costs to families or local budgets.

On staffing, district human resources official Ramon Ray said the district hired 58 educators at a recent educator recruitment fair and that the district issued more than 2,400 contracts to teachers in February, earlier than the state’s May 15 contract requirement. The district said teacher staffing remains a focus as it plans projects such as a new West Chatham high school; the district said adding a new school is enrollment‑driven and staffing will follow boundary and enrollment decisions.

On student transit, Dr. Watts said the district will continue a no‑fare partnership with Chatham Area Transit (CAT) so students can use fixed‑route and paratransit service for free through May 31. The district said it will contribute about $3,000 per month toward the program through May and will evaluate student use before deciding next steps; parents must register students for a pass and the district said the registration deadline is March 21.

Context and scale: A reporter’s calculation cited in the briefing suggested federal funds account for about 12.2% of the district’s approved fiscal‑year 2025 budget; Dr. Watts and district staff stressed that the district currently plans for those federal funds in the FY26 budget but is preparing contingencies because of federal uncertainty. District staff reiterated the federal dollars typically flow through the Georgia Department of Education via the state consolidated application process.

Ending: Dr. Watts and her staff said they will continue to monitor federal and state developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.