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Dade County Schools face a $2.7M budget gap; superintendent flags rising insurance costs
Summary
Superintendent Josh Ingle told the joint session the FY26 budget projects $23.7M in revenues versus $26.4M in expenses, in part because the board’s employer health‑insurance contribution is projected to rise from $945 to $2,028 per month by FY27, increasing local pressure on the operating budget.
Dade County Superintendent Josh Ingle told the joint session that the school system faces a projected budget shortfall of about $2.7 million in FY26, with total estimated revenues of $23.7 million and estimated expenses of $26.4 million.
Ingle singled out rising employer health‑insurance costs as a primary pressure on the operating budget: “In FY23 the board’s portion was $945 a month; in FY27 that amount is $2,028 per month,” he said, illustrating that increases in state‑set insurance contributions are driving higher local expenses for classified employees who do not generate state allotments.
The superintendent said the district has used federal COVID relief funds to sustain some services but those funds are winding down; non‑formula positions (custodial, cafeteria, bus drivers and paraprofessionals) remain a local cost pressure. He noted that the board’s millage rate has been lowered in recent years but the structural gap persists.
In response, the group discussed potential mitigation strategies, including careful use of ESPLOST for capital needs (not operating expenses), grant seeking and public awareness of staffing and benefits costs. The board said inclusion of targeted programs in the county’s community work program and continued coordination with county leaders will be important as they consider budget amendments and any one‑time supplements from state action.
The district also reported planned summer capital work funded by ESPLOST, including roof and HVAC replacement at Davis Elementary and paving at the middle and high schools, and highlighted an April 15 career fair tied to CTAE programs.
No formal personnel or operating decisions were made at the session; school leaders said they will continue budget development and present options to the board for consideration.
