Board hears budget overview; governor's proposal seen as an early indicator for FY27

Budget director Kelly Lesher and Sarah Cox presented a district budget overview and the FY27 timeline, warning that the governor’s budget is an initial indicator rather than a final appropriation.

Lesher summarized the governor’s proposal as projecting approximately 2,173 additional FTE for Lee County and a proposed $100 increase in the base student allocation; she noted the governor’s document separates Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) dollars from the base allocation, a change that can make categorical allocations appear to decline even when aggregate support is stable. Presenters also cited an illustrative total funding increase in the governor’s materials and compared it with last year’s governor proposal versus final results, underscoring uncertainty until Legislature and DOE calculations are finalized.

Staff outlined the district timeline: DOE FTE projection opening this week; internal projections scheduled and to be submitted to DOE next week; capital committee and school allocation work through spring; preliminary budget presentation in June; tentative budget in August and final adoption schedule by September after taxable value certification. Lesher said the district will monitor transportation and other categorical allocations and will work with school leaders and departments through the spring budget cycle.

Board members thanked staff; questions focused on Family Empowerment Scholarships, ESE allocations and how to prepare for possible revenue leveling in coming years. Lesher reiterated that the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program remains in place and that the governor’s presentation separates those dollars for clarity.