Finance Advisory Committee - May 6, 2026

The Finance Advisory Committee of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) convened on May 6, 2026, to discuss the FY27 budget development process. Key procurement-related topics included the presentation of a $683.7 million budget request reflecting a 2% increase from FY26, with detailed discussions on mandatory personnel cost growth, including teacher retirement system costs and state health benefits, as well as various scenarios for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) ranging from 1% to 3.3%. The committee reviewed strategic investments and trade-offs, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing educators and school transformation initiatives. Revenue projections and millage rate scenarios were also examined, highlighting the impact of property tax rates on budget funding and the need for potential budget cuts if millage rates are reduced. The committee engaged in a robust dialogue about balancing fiscal responsibility with educational outcomes, the necessity of making difficult budget decisions, and the importance of aligning spending with measurable returns on investment. No formal votes were recorded during this meeting, but members expressed support for a 3% COLA and acknowledged the challenges of managing budget growth amid economic pressures.