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George County School District previews FY27 budget, cites state funding increases and personnel costs
Summary
District staff presented a preliminary FY27 budget showing roughly two-thirds of revenue tied to state funding, projected increases consumed by mandated pay and benefit rises, and a proposed operational millage near 45 mills; final adoption is scheduled for August with final approval in October.
The George County School District on Wednesday reviewed a preliminary FY27 budget that district staff said relies heavily on state funding and will be affected by mandated pay and benefit increases.
The presenter told the board that "for the 2627 school year, the total projected revenue is 50,000,000 plus 34" and that about 64% of the district's revenue is expected to come from state sources, with roughly 22.7% from local sources. He said the additional state money projected for FY27 will largely be consumed by mandated salary and benefit increases, including teacher and teacher-assistant pay adjustments and insurance cost increases.
Why it matters: The presentation showed the district's funding mix and how state formula changes are driving revenue growth while mandated pay increases limit available funds for new programs. Board members pressed staff for more granular pay-change figures to understand how much of the revenue increase will remain for other uses.
Key details: The presenter explained legal deadlines under Mississippi law and said the board will consider adoption of the budget at its August meeting, with final approval anticipated in October. He described the budget structure by fund and said the district expects to carry over approximately $21,000,000 across funds at year-end (subject to final close-out adjustments).
On taxes and households, the presenter gave an illustrative example of property tax impact: at a 45-mill levy, a homeowner with a $150,000 property would pay about $675 annually to the school district; the presenter said the FY26 operational millage was 43.54 mills and staff is refining an FY27 operational estimate near 45 mills.
Expenditures and reserves: The presenter reported total FY27 expenditures of 52,000,003 and said roughly 54.2% of spending is budgeted for instructional purposes. He also reported the district maintenance fund (the main operating fund) is projected to have positive net change and cited projected maintenance-fund revenue of 39,000,064, expenditures of 32,000,012 and transfers of 7,520,000 to other funds to cover restricted programs and capital projects. The presenter emphasized that the figures were preliminary, pending year-end adjustments.
Staffing and compensation: The presenter reported the district employs about 598 people, including roughly 297 teachers and roughly 97 instructional aides, and noted a $2,000 teacher supplement and a $2,000 special-education teacher supplement were included in the preliminary figures. A board member asked for average-percentage pay-change figures and the presenter agreed to provide those breakouts.
Next steps: Budget figures are preliminary; staff will supply the requested salary-percentage details and return the budget for formal consideration at the August board meeting. Final adjustments after year-end close will be incorporated before the October final approval.
