Clayton County board hears FY26 budget presentation; teachers press for raises and clarity

Kim, a finance department staff member, presented the Clayton County Board of Education's tentative fiscal year 2026 budget at an 11 a.m. public hearing, saying the district proposes to maintain its millage rate at 19.6 and projects $728,750,901 in general fund revenue against $741,000,794 in general fund expenditures.

The presentation said the district expects a beginning general fund balance of $160,000,000 and a projected June 30, 2026 ending balance of $147,750,107 after an estimated $12,249,893 shortfall. All-funds budget totals shown were $1,504,660,273, with the general fund representing roughly 49% and capital projects about 43% of that figure. The presenter said the preliminary digest from the tax commissioner's office showed about a 2% increase in property values and that the district's 1-mill value is much lower than some neighboring districts, which limits revenue capacity.

The proposed budget package listed the following fund totals: general fund revenue $728,750,901; special revenue $31,141,000; capital projects $647,351,000; debt service…