Atlanta Board of Education advances FY27 tentative budget, cites $1.6 billion in appropriations and millage rollback

The Atlanta Board of Education advanced its FY27 tentative budget, asking the board to approve roughly $1.6 billion in combined appropriations and signaling new investments in literacy, special education and staff compensation.

Dr. Bracken, presenting the budget, said: "General fund at 1,300,000,000, special revenue at 87,100,000, SPLOST at 174,000,000, nutrition fund at 40,600,000, student activity funds at 4,500,000 for a total appropriation for all funds of 1,600,000,000." She described targeted spending of more than $37 million over five years for literacy curriculum and related supports, an additional $10 million for paraprofessionals and exceptional education, and a $19 million compensation addition for staff.

The presentation also noted a rollback of the millage rate from 20.5 mills to 20.3 mills, described by presenters as providing about $10 million in taxpayer relief. Board members moved the monthly budget adjustments (including a $40,000 state grant offsetting IB exam fees) and the tentative adoption forward; the motions were seconded and taken by voice vote.

Board members said the FY27 tentative adoption is the first step in a two-stage process leading to final adoption in June. The administration said the plan uses no fund-balance reliance and prioritizes directing more resources to schools and core instruction.

The budget will return for final approval at a later meeting; the board’s budget commission and administration said they would continue community engagement and technical review ahead of the June vote.