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Volusia board adopts tentative $1.095 billion budget, sets millage after 3–2 vote
Summary
The Volusia County School Board adopted a tentative all-funds budget of $1,095,412,387 and approved tentative millage rates (total 5.2430 mils) following a contentious discussion about rollback rates, teacher pay and program priorities; final adoption is set for Sept. 8.
The Volusia County School Board adopted a tentative district budget of $1,095,412,387 and set proposed millage rates for fiscal year 2026–27 at its July 28 public hearing, after a heated discussion about taxes, teacher pay and program trade-offs.
CFO Deidre Wittenberger framed the budget under Florida's TRIM rules and the FEFP funding structure. She said the district's proposed total millage is 5.2430 mils and that the proposed total levy exceeds the rollback rate; as a result the district must advertise a notice of proposed tax increase. Wittenberger told the board: “The total tentative budget for all funds is $1,095,412,387.”
Trustees debated whether the district should "roll back" discretionary millage that produces additional revenue when property values rise, versus preserving funds for capital projects, bus purchases and other priorities. Several board members said they were uncomfortable approving the tentative budget without more targeted options for teacher compensation, while others warned that failing to adopt would imperil receipt of FEFP funding and could force painful, immediate cuts. Trustee discussion also noted the district policy requiring a minimum 5% unassigned general fund balance to protect stability.
On separate motions, the board approved the tentative millage resolution (Resolution No. 2026-09) by a 4–1 vote and then approved the tentative budget (Resolution No. 2026-10) by a 3–2 vote. The CFO said the final budget will be revised and presented for adoption at the statutory final hearing on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Board members asked for more clarity about fund-balance projections, charter school pass-throughs (about $33 million was cited as the charter pass-through amount), and the potential staff and program reductions that would follow a rollback. Wittenberger said certain transfers from the capital 1.5 mil would be required to the general fund if the capital millage were reduced, and she estimated large recurring cuts would be necessary to absorb those costs.
The board's adoption of the tentative numbers preserves the district's ability to draw FEFP funding while leaving open adjustments before the final September hearing.
