TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A final budget is now set for Leon County Schools after the School Board approved a $615 million budget for the 26-27 school year.
The budget, which was approved in a 4-1 vote, is down $32 million from last year.
District leaders say it feels like deja vu as they’re once again dealing with many of the same budget issues they faced last year.
“None of us are happy about this budget situation, we’re all disappointed,” Superintendent Rocky Hanna said. “Our staffing plan, we only funded at 98% this year. Our emergency reserves are at the lowest that I’ve seen now in my 11th year as superintendent.”
For Leon County School Board members, approving the 2026-2027 budget didn’t come without some tough decisions, and not every board member supported it.
“I’m going to be a no on the budget this year until we find a way to make the deep cuts to support our teachers and support staff,” School Board Member, District 1, Alva Smith said.
“To suggest that no work has been done, I can’t think of a more disingenuous statement. Should there be more cuts, absolutely. We walked about consolidation,” School Board Chair, Dr. Marcus Nicolas said.
We previously reported enrollment is down and Leon County Schools unveiled 7.8 million dollars in cuts for the upcoming year.
Those cuts impact staffing, administration, arts and athletics and community groups.
“We cut our district costs centers, all district operations by over 6% this year, by consolidating positions, reducing operating expenses,” Hanna said. “So, we’ll continue to look at ways to cut at the district and not affect the classroom, but at some point, the classroom is going to be affected.”
Teachers also won’t be getting the raises they had hoped for.
Hanna says the district may have to turn to voters for help to approve an increase in the millage rate to support teachers and staff.
“We’re going to be forced, locally, to raise money by increasing the millage rate in order to do right by our teachers and our support staff,” Hanna said. “Unfortunately, the state is not going to do their job and I have full faith the voters here in Leon County will step up because they love our public schools.”
The Board is expected to adopt the final $615 million budget at its meeting on September 8.
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