Caroline County commissioners approve FY27 school budget; county contribution unchanged

The Caroline County Commissioners unanimously approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget for Caroline County Public Schools on July 7 after a presentation from Jill Higna, the school system’s chief financial officer.

Higna told the commissioners that the county local share, determined by state formula, increased by $490,894 to $20,000,915 and that unrestricted state aid rose $3,772,436 to $82,800,580, producing a total revenue increase of $4,263,330 and bringing the district’s total operating revenue to $104,636,439. "Our county local share ... has increased $490,894," Higna said during her presentation.

She outlined budget reductions, including a salary lapse of $419,634 and decreased bus-lease costs, and noted cost pressures such as negotiated salary increases ($3,286,945), a 5.5% health‑insurance increase ($780,000), and higher fuel and energy costs. Higna also described two additions moved into the operating budget: a counselor at Colonel Richardson Middle School (approximately $116,000) and a grounds maintenance position (about $80,000).

Commissioners asked for full copies of the submitted budget and supporting amendment documents; Higna said the school board had submitted materials to the state and that she would provide the commissioners with the full budget for review. The chair then moved to approve the budget and county amendments; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote.

The approval completes the county’s formal action on the operating budget and means the school system will proceed with the adopted FY27 spending plan. Commissioners said they would review the full packet Higna will provide and follow up if needed.