Jefferson County board unanimously approves FY2026 budget; adds buses to meet consent decree

The Jefferson County Board of Education on Sept. 9 unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Original Budget, covering Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026, after a second required public hearing.

Chief School Financial Officer Laura Nance presented highlights and changes since the first hearing, including a projected General Fund ending balance of $174,740,858 — roughly 5.30 months of reserves — and supplemental appropriations for iReady software, professional development, materials and substitutes for reading and math screeners. Nance said federal Title II and Title IV revenues were increased since the first hearing, while School Improvement funds had not yet been received.

The budget packet also showed changes in technology-related revenue and grants. "The Federal E-Rate program" was reported at an estimated $1,271,074.06, and the FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program was budgeted at $1,111,729.00 to support existing cybersecurity services, Nance said. A State Cybersecurity Grant was described as having an "insignificant reduction." The board did not request a line-by-line reading of the full proposed budget; a QR code and link to the full proposal were made available to the public.

Nance outlined capital projects and transportation changes, saying the FY2026 transportation budget includes seven additional new buses and seven additional bus drivers to comply with the consent decree for Majority to Minority School Transfers. The board approved the budget by motion of Mr. Walter Curry, seconded by Ms. Stephanie Floyd; the vote was recorded as unanimously approved.

The approval authorizes district staff to implement the FY2026 appropriations as presented. There was no recorded public question or opposition during the hearing. The board adjourned at 9:45 a.m.