Forsyth County schools present $762.5 million FY2027 budget; board schedules vote pending tax digest

The Forsyth County Board of Education held a public hearing on a proposed $762.5 million FY2027 budget that would increase district spending 1.6% over the prior year and—according to presenters—require no millage‑rate increase.

Dr. Mitch Young framed the proposal around the district’s strategic priorities, saying the budget seeks to maintain instruction, safety and student support while sustaining a targeted 15% fund balance. "This year's budget is a proposed amount of $762.5 million," Dr. Young said, adding the plan includes investments in nurses, school safety, mental‑health supports, and salary step increases to help retention.

Finance director Lawrence Hamill walked the board through revenues and expenditures during the June 16 meeting. Hamill said the presentation assumes a 4% gross increase in the tax digest and a continued millage rate of 15.2828 mills; under that assumption local revenue would rise and combined revenue increases (local, state and federal) are projected to produce about $12–13 million more in total resources for 2027. Hamill also described state‑mandated cost increases the district must absorb—estimated at roughly $7.6 million—including higher health‑care and TRS (teachers' retirement) costs and funding for 23 new literacy coaches required by the state.

Board members and staff discussed schedule constraints: final budget and millage actions depend on receiving detailed tax‑digest data from the county tax appraiser to meet advertisement and hearing deadlines. The board discussed tentative approval dates (June 23 if digest and publications are available; otherwise meetings and hearings in early July with a possible final vote July 21).

One member of the public, John Holder, asked how the district identifies and eliminates waste and how citizens can review detailed budget materials. Mr. Holder asked, "Where have you found that waste and what have you shifted it towards?" Dr. Young and Mr. Hamill responded that the full budget book is a public record and staff will meet with citizens to explain line‑item detail; Hamill said the book is large and staff can guide interested residents through it.

Next steps: the board will await tax‑digest detail needed for legal advertisement; if the digest is received in time the board may take action at the June 23 meeting, otherwise it will plan hearings and a vote in July.