School officials warn county proposal would leave $83,122 shortfall in local school funding

Presenter for the school division told the board the school board-approved FY'27 budget totaled $120,663,759 and included a requested $615,361 increase in the local share.

"On July 14, the school board passed a total budget of $120,663,759, which included increases from the general assembly passed budget of $2,074,654 and an increase of $615,361 in local share," the Presenter said. The Presenter said the county administrator proposed using $532,239 in FY'25 carry‑forward funds to meet part of the request, which would leave the schools about $83,122 short of the amount the school board sought. The Presenter added that, after accounting for the Department of Education final count for FY'25, roughly $204,307 of the $532,239 could be considered local funds while about $327,932 appeared to be state funds.

The school official also announced a public hearing to consider the budget amendment on August 26 at 6 p.m. The board did not make a final decision on the amendment during this meeting.