Jones County Schools board adopts FY2026-27 planning budget and approves $1M+ reduction amendment

Jones County Schools officials presented Budget Amendment No. 6, explaining a net decrease of just over $1 million driven mainly by capital-funding accounting: the county has assumed responsibility for a school building lease so the district removed the corresponding payment from its books even though the county will continue to use a portion of the district's lottery funds to make that payment.

During the amendment discussion a presenter said the district typically uses about $166,000 of lottery money each year for capital projects but noted changes in how lease payments are reported now that the county is carrying the lease. The board moved, seconded and approved Budget Amendment No. 6 by voice vote.

The board then reviewed and adopted its FY2026-27 planning budget. Staff described the planning allotment for state funding as roughly $11 million (about 92% of anticipated state funding in a year without a finalized state budget). Other highlights staff cited:

- Fund 2: anticipated increase of $478,600 tied to a county negotiation for 2026'2028. - Fund 3: anticipated decrease of about $1 million, mostly because the prior year included one-time carryover funds that will not recur. - Capital funding: an expected decrease of about $190,000 for the planning year because the district will use a portion of a $1.5 million fund-balance release received from the county in 2023 to support capital needs over the next three years.

A presenter summarized the planning approach as conservative: until the state budget is finalized, the district is using DPI's planning allotment figures and expects to present a final budget once state numbers are confirmed. After discussion, a motion to adopt the planning budget was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: staff said they will present a budget resolution in May or June for final adoption once state budget figures are available.