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Regional Office of Education budget funds move to larger leased facility, expands student programs
Summary
The Regional Office of Education recommended FY2026 budget was approved by joint committees. Dr. Kerner described a planned move to a larger leased facility (from about 18,000 to 42,000 square feet) intended to expand student programming, career events and professional development; rental costs in the budget rise accordingly but county staff said
The joint committees approved the Regional Office of Education (ROE) recommended FY2026 budget. Dr. Kerner, the ROE director, told the committees the office will move to a larger leased facility in January to expand student programming and professional development offerings, including the Navigate 8 Lake Fair and other initiatives intended to broaden career exposure for students across Lake County.
Kerner said the new, turnkey leased space increases square footage for county‑funded staff and public programming; the FY2026 budget reflects higher rental expense tied to that increased footprint. "We're moving from about 18,000 square feet to 42,000 square feet," Kerner said, describing the larger space as turnkey and better suited for hosting larger student and professional events.
Committee members asked whether the increased rental costs would affect county contributions; Kerner said the ROE will cover portions of the facility costs from alternative funding sources where appropriate and that county-funded mandated positions accounted for the county's rent share. Committees approved the budget by voice vote.
Why it matters: The ROE budget supports countywide services to local school districts, including mental‑health referral tools, school safety visits and career programming. The move aims to expand service capacity and regional professional development.
