Board approves $495.2 million combined budget; FY2026–27 projects a $5.6 million gap

The Hernando School Board voted to adopt a combined FY2026–27 budget totaling $495,213,755 across five funds after staff presentations explaining revenue sources and allocations.

Joyce McIntyre, the district CFO, summarized fund-level estimates and said the district expects $241,400,000 in revenues and approximately $247,000,000 in appropriations for a projected deficit of roughly $5,600,000. “After you apply the difference to the beginning fund balance, our projected ending fund balance is approximately $21,800,000 as of 06/30/2027,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre said the General Fund comprises 54.27% of the total budget, with capital projects at about 32.73% and food service and special revenue funds making up the remainder. She noted some revenue increases (including a $5,200,000 increase in tax proceeds) were partially offset by FEFP reductions tied to increased family empowerment scholarships.

Why it matters: The adopted budget frames staffing, program, and capital decisions for the coming year; board members asked staff to monitor expenditures and look for cost‑savings as the district navigates health‑care bargaining and other uncertainties.