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Newton County board reviews tentative $269.9 million FY2027 budget
Summary
The Newton County Board of Education held the first of two public hearings on the tentative FY2027 general fund budget, reviewing $269.9 million in proposed expenditures, projected revenue increases and a roughly $10 million gap between projected revenue and expenses that the board may cover with fund balance.
The Newton County Board of Education on Monday reviewed a tentative FY2027 general fund budget that the district says totals approximately $269.9 million and is built around modest state funding gains and larger local revenue growth.
A budget presenter told the board the district’s “current forecast indicates a net increase in state funding of only $1,500,000,” with components that include a $1,100,000 increase tied to employer contributions under the state health benefit plan, a $362,000 rise from a higher employer contribution rate for the teacher retirement system, a $3,200,000 equalization increase, and a $760,000 new allocation intended to fund literacy coach positions required by a state mandate. The presenter described the budget framework and four development phases and noted the district’s ongoing LEAN initiative to stabilize resources.
The presenter said projected local revenue growth of $12,400,000 is largely attributed to a projected 6% increase in the local property tax digest and an anticipated $670,000 share from a joint development authority revenue distribution. The tentative budget assumes 18,292 students for FY2027, a decline from the current year, and an estimated per-pupil expenditure of $14,753. Salaries and benefits were described as about 88.61% of total expenditures.
Board members pressed staff on the arithmetic and the use of fund balance. One board member noted the presentation’s projected revenue figure of approximately $259,000,000 against $269,000,000 in projected expenses, leaving roughly a $10,000,000 shortfall that “we would have to use our fund balance” to cover, and recalled a previously tabled benefits-package refinement that staff estimated could save about $4,300,000 if implemented.
Staff emphasized this hearing is the first of two public hearings; the second hearing is scheduled for June 16, when the board is expected to adopt the tentative FY2027 budget. The presenter said the millage-rate adoption process will begin in July 2026.
No formal budget votes were taken at Monday’s hearing. Board members asked for additional detail on textbook adoptions and indicated they want further analysis and documentation—such as itemized adoption lists and clearer revenue assumptions—ahead of the June meeting.
