Florence 1 board approves $216.8 million 2026-27 budget with no millage increase

The Florence School District One Board of Trustees approved the district's $216,770,665 budget for 2026-27 on second reading, with no millage increase and no personnel cuts, the superintendent said.

Dr. O'Malley, the district superintendent, told the board the state aid to classrooms number rose between readings to $100,470,009.16 (as shown in the presentation), eliminating a previously planned $500,000 draw from fund balance. He said investment interest and other revenues also helped preserve the district's position.

The budget document presented by administration showed a 3.5% increase over the prior year and listed roughly $1,500,000 in investment interest as a continuing revenue driver. "There are no personnel cuts. There is no millage increase," Dr. O'Malley said.

Board members emphasized that personnel and local purchasing return money to the community: one board member noted personnel and benefits account for $184,000,000 of the budget and local vendor spending last year totaled about $18,000,000. Several trustees praised the district's approach to health subsidies, bonuses and tuition reimbursement programs as part of retaining staff.

The board also approved across-the-board step increases for employees (roughly 2% depending on tenure) and noted teacher supplements of $2,000'$2,500 included in the compensation plan. Trustees highlighted that the budget keeps the district's debt-service and operating mills effectively level as presented.

The board voted by voice to adopt the second reading of the budget; the superintendent said the next steps include certifying the millage rate with the county auditor so tax bills can be issued in the fall.