Worcester County BOE approves revised FY27 budget request totaling $157.2 million

The Worcester County Board of Education voted to approve a revised FY27 budget request of $157,200,332 after staff reviewed changes since the board adopted a proposal in February.

Chief budget officer Mr. Tolbert told the board that the district reduced its county ask after receiving a $150,000 Donnie Williams grant for summer and after-school programming and recorded a minor health-insurance update that slightly lowered previously projected increases. Still, he said the revised request includes $9,962,415 for compensation and benefits changes — the largest single component — and total proposed increases of about $13.3 million to cover salaries, health insurance, and other district needs.

Tolbert also told the board that relying solely on maintenance of effort would leave a significant gap: "That creates $12.24 million shortfall," he said, meaning the district would be unable to fund the salary and benefit increases, the RISE expansion, bus-aide safety staffing, capital needs and other items in the package without additional local support.

Board members and the superintendent emphasized the district's priorities: raising teacher pay, funding health insurance increases, and preserving small class sizes and student services. During discussion board members noted Worcester County's high instructional outcomes but stressed the need to fund the operating budget to retain and recruit staff.

The board approved the revised budget request on a motion by Dr. Andes, seconded by Miss Mccomomas, by voice vote. District staff said they will present the request during the county commissioners' public budget hearing on May 5.

The vote authorizes the district to request the revised appropriation from the county; it does not itself appropriate funds. Final county decisions on funding will determine whether the district receives the full package.