The Summers County Board of Education on May 28 approved its fiscal year 2027 budget, adopting an approximately $18 million general-fund spending plan and related special and federal funds during a special virtual meeting.
The Presenter for Summers County Schools said the district is estimating $4.7 million in property-tax revenue, about $45,000 from other local sources and roughly $10.3 million in state aid, plus an estimated $3 million in carryover from the current year, for total general-fund revenue of about $18 million. On the spending side, the Presenter said the budget includes about $10.2 million for instruction, roughly $1.8 million for operations and maintenance, $2.4 million for student transportation and other estimated costs.
"We're estimating that our beginning balance for fiscal year 27 is going to be approximately $3 million," the Presenter said, adding that while the district is "very healthy right now" because of funds banked during the COVID period, costs are rising and the carryover balance could decline. The Presenter said staff used a three-year historical average to forecast expenses rather than applying a single current inflation percentage and noted that some costs were shifted to grant funds where feasible.
A board member said the board understands that "there will be a lot of 'nos' that have to be said" given that levy revenue did not pass and that members support staff decisions to hold spending steady. The comment framed the board's consensus to be cautious on personnel and other expenditures in the coming year.
Motion and vote
Mrs. Harvey moved to approve the FY27 budget; Mr. McBride seconded the motion. The board called the vote and the meeting minutes reflect the budget was approved. The meeting recessed and later adjourned at 8:39 a.m.
What the budget covers and next steps
The Presenter said special-revenue funds (federal grants) are estimated at approximately $3.3 million and include salaries and food-service costs; child nutrition was estimated at about $930,000 for food and related staffing. Board members asked staff to monitor utilities, over-formula costs and other expenses that could erode reserves, and to report back if immediate expenditure decisions are required.
The board did not record any amendments or further formal actions in the transcript. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was seconded and approved.