District reports October finances, launches FY27 budget calendar

Mr. Owen delivered the monthly finance report for the period ending Oct. 31, 2025, saying the district had received just under $75,000,000 in general fund revenues year to date, with approximately $58,000,000 coming from the state and nearly $15,000,000 from local sources. Year-to-date expenditures were $164,000,000, which Mr. Owen said is within budget (about 27% spent with 33% of the fiscal year complete). "That $90,000,000 gap between the expenditures of $164,000,000 and the $74,000,000 in revenue has been covered by your fund reserves," he reported, adding that the general fund balance is approximately $50,000,000.

Mr. Owen said the building fund balance is about $110,000,000, comprised of SPLOST proceeds and prior bond sales; he noted the district is drawing down those funds as capital projects proceed. He also reported a debt service fund balance of roughly $35,900,000 and said the next debt service payment is scheduled for Feb. 1 at $32,000,000.

Following the monthly numbers, Mr. Owen outlined the FY27 budget development timeline: board budget-priority forms are due before the Dec. 11 board meeting, when staff will provide a revenue and expenditures forecast. Staff will give status reports in January and February, and the budget book will be available ahead of the March 19 board meeting. Public hearings are scheduled April 2 at 11:30 a.m., April 16 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and the board is expected to consider a tentative recommended FY27 budget on April 23.

Board members asked follow-up questions about cash flow, SPLOST collections and the Teasley project's effect on traffic; finance and capital staff said they are tracking collections and working with schools and transportation to manage traffic flow caused by construction activity. The superintendent and finance staff said they will return with the December forecast and continue regular budget updates.