Orange County Schools board approves FY2026 budget, establishes starting point amid state uncertainty

Orange County Schools Board Chair Atherton presided over a vote approving the district's FY2026 final budget after staff and board members discussed timing, fund balances and personnel step increases.

CFO Rhonda Rath told the board that approving the budget now provides “a starting point” for district spending while the state budget is not yet finalized. Rath said the board's action authorizes implementation of step salary increases for certified staff and a classified step increase provided in local scales. She said the district is operating under a continuation budget and a recent state “mini bill” that allows step increases to proceed.

On fund balances, Rath said the capital fund balance stands at roughly $1,800,000 and that the district ended the last fiscal year with an operating fund balance of approximately $3,000,000, though that number remains subject to change until the audit closes. She told the board the capital balance may be used for one‑time expenditures but urged caution about depletion.

Board member Ms. Hauser, who had pulled the item from consent for discussion, asked how approving the budget before the state adopts its full budget affects implementation. Rath said the board can amend the budget later if state action changes the district’s revenue outlook.

After the discussion, Ms. Hauser moved to approve the FY2026 budget; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board did not change the core spending plan at the meeting; Rath said any required adjustments would be made by amendment after state action or as more audit information becomes available.

Votes at a glance: the motion to adopt the FY2026 final budget was moved by Ms. Hauser and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.