Washington County schools present FY27 draft budget amid enrollment and special‑education growth

The Washington County Board of Education's leadership presented a draft FY27 general fund budget to the county commissioners on Feb. 19, 2026, stressing that student needs—and associated costs—continue to grow.

Superintendent Doctor Savine told commissioners the school system expects roughly $14,000,000 in additional combined state and local funds but is still facing a deficit because of large increases in benefits costs: "These are costs that are largely outside of our control, but they're essential to retaining the staff who serve our students each and every day," he said. He also summarized enrollment changes, saying special education enrollment "increased by 85 students" this year and that the draft budget includes seven new special‑education program classrooms that could serve an additional 70–90 students.

Savine said the draft includes difficult cuts in central office administration—more than $600,000 in reductions this year and over $1,000,000 in two years—and a $2,000,000 salary pool, equivalent to roughly a 1% cost‑of‑living increase. He also highlighted rising utility costs and a long‑term energy contract that left the district with higher electricity bills despite reduced kilowatt‑hour usage.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved FY26 budget adjustments for the school system that the Board of Education had adopted on Feb. 17; county commissioners voted in favor on a motion (voice vote recorded 4–0).

Superintendent and finance staff remained available for follow‑up questions and said the system will monitor state legislative decisions on formulas that could affect funding going forward.