FY27 Board of Education Budget Hearing #2

The City Schools of Decatur held their FY27 Board of Education Budget Hearing #2 on May 29, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The presentation covered the district's budget development process, major revenue and expenditure categories, and strategic investments, including a tentative budget totaling approximately $134.7 million across all funds. Key procurement-related topics included allocations for personnel salaries with a minimum 3% cost of living increase, operational expenses, and capital projects funded by E-SPLOST sales tax revenues totaling about $8.5 million. Public comments raised concerns about the nearly $1.3 million budgeted for professional services and startup costs related to the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) project, which currently lacks approved financing, and questioned the absence of debt service funding for FY28. Additional public feedback emphasized the need for competitive teacher pay increases beyond the COLA and requested transparency regarding consultant contracts and legal fees. The board plans to finalize the budget and millage rate at the June 2 meeting.