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School board adopts $124 million FY2026-27 budget and approves 4% raises; officials flag local match pressures
Summary
The Washington County School Board adopted a roughly $124.14 million FY2026-27 budget and approved new salary scales that implement a 4% mid-step raise; board members and staff said state budget changes increased required local match pressure and laid out potential program cuts if additional local funding is not secured.
The Washington County School Board unanimously adopted the school division's final FY2026-27 budget and approved new salary scales that implement a 4% mid-step raise for employees.
Superintendent (presentation) summarized the FY2025-26 year-end position and framed FY2026-27 decisions: projected general fund year-end balance is approximately zero after encumbrances, textbook and construction funds will carryover sums, and changes in the state budget increased mandated local match obligations. The superintendent explained the board had originally requested a $3.1 million locality increase but reduced that request to $2.5 million; the Board of Supervisors approved $1.9 million, leaving an approximate $600,000 gap staff said they would manage through reduced purchases, delayed capital, and staffing/combinations rather than across-the-board salary reductions.
The superintendent said the state's approved budget increased teacher raises to 4% and added other state funding streams that carry local-match requirements. "We can make the 4% raise work," the superintendent said, but added the division will need to "cut things, not people," identifying potential reductions such as bus replacements, athletic field trips, and locally funded summer programs if enrollment and cost factors move unfavorably.
Motion and vote: Mr. Henderson moved and Dr. Frederick seconded approval of the final FY2026-27 budget; the motion carried 6-0. The board then approved the revised salary scales to implement the raises and consolidate several pay scales, also by a 6-0 vote.
What the budget includes: Staff presented an estimated total budget of approximately $124,141,850, with roughly $70 million in state funding, about $8 million federal, and local contributions driving required-match obligations. Officials emphasized approximately 90+ million of the budget is personnel and benefits.
Next steps: Staff will continue to monitor enrollment and state guidance, and will meet with the Board of Supervisors Finance Committee to address the remaining gap and any urgent needs during the fiscal year.
