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Okaloosa schools warned of falling student counts; state model projects large FTE drop prompting budget planning
Summary
District staff told the board that February counts and FLDOE models show declining student seat time and program cost-factor pressure; the district reported being roughly 623 students short of projection this year and a state model projects about a 1,293 FTE decrease for 2026–27, which could require more than $10 million in budget adjustments.
District officials told the Okaloosa County School Board on Feb. 9 that state funding models and current enrollment counts may force substantial budget adjustments for the 2026–27 school year.
Assistant superintendents and finance staff explained the mechanics of the February FTE (full‑time‑equivalent) count required by Florida statute and said the district’s February survey showed a shortfall of roughly 623 students compared with the district’s projection. Presenters cautioned that program cost factors, the base student allocation, and increased participation in scholarship programs outside the FEFP (Family Empowerment Scholarships and…
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