Public Hearing on Budget #1 - May 6, 2026

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) held a public budget hearing on May 6, 2026, to present and discuss the preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget. The budget director outlined a proposed general fund budget of approximately $708.8 million, representing a 6% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by mandatory personnel cost growth including retirement benefits, step increases, and a preliminary 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The budget supports strategic initiatives such as AI readiness training, leadership development, and expanded transportation, while maintaining a millage rate of 17.331 mills. Public comments included suggestions to reduce underperforming staff by 5-10% to stabilize the budget and accommodate cost-of-living increases without increasing overall spending. No formal votes or motions on budget approval were recorded during this hearing, which focused on transparency and public input.