The Clarke County Board of Education reviewed Thursday the proposed 2027 fiscal year general fund budget, which includes almost $261 million in expenses. It’s a 2.37% increase from the previous year.
Members highlighted the $6 million difference in expenditures and noted enrollment-related funding as a concern. This difference was attributed to the emphasis on full-time school employee salaries and benefits, infrastructure improvements and required state contributions.
Chris Griner, chief financial officer of Clarke County School District, said a key part of the budget is maintaining the millage rate at 18.8 mills, which has remained the same since 2023. Though the district has considered the possibility of lowering this number for Clarke County residents, Griner said it would most likely cause negative repercussions.
I think we’ve used the conservative approach where we’ve just left it level,” Griner said. “It’s worked for us so far.”
The tentative budget is expected to be voted on May 14. Three public hearings are set for June, and the board is slated to approve the final budget and millage rate on June 11.
Property tax revenue for the school district is expected to increase 6%, the budget presentation noted. Griner added that Thursday was the last day of the state legislative session, and a property tax bill being considered, as of that evening, could cause a $4.3 million reduction in property tax collections for the school district.
The proposed budget calls for an increase in full-time school employee benefits. Retirement contributions are predicted to increase from 21.91% to 22.3%, and health insurance benefits from $1,885 to $2,028 per month.
“I think Gov. Kemp is trying to keep the value of keeping teachers in the profession,” Griner said. “It’s all employees, but really the teachers, because that’s the everyday interaction with our kids.”
The updated proposed budget included adjustments the board discussed on March 17. Griner presented a proposed 1% cost-of-living adjustment, but said he discouraged it due to its expected cost of $1.8 million that would have to be carried into future annual budgets.
Board President Mumbi Anderson questioned fiscal responsibility regarding the proposed $50,000 increase in funding for special programs.
I know we want to keep as much as we can in the fund balance,” Anderson said. “Can the budget take that additional $50,000?”
Board members also noted declining enrollment. Griner said enrollment has dropped about 200 students total, which has resulted in a 2.8% decrease in funding — an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million — compared with the previous year. He said improving public awareness of the school district’s achievements can improve this trend.
“I think public perception is the biggest thing we can control about the school district,” Griner said. “I think just making sure people know the great things we’re doing here at the school district.”
The board also discussed updates about E-SPLOST-funded renovation projects. New classroom wings are nearing completion and weather safety implements are in progress at Gaines Elementary.
“When we think about schools thinking that there is not enough, then you know what you need for your school but you’re not necessarily aware of where other schools are,” said Jennifer Scott, interim superintendent.
Kara-Marie Mitchell is a journalism major in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
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