07/21/26 Flagler School Board Budget Meeting

The Flagler School Board held a budget meeting on July 21, 2026, focusing primarily on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and related financial matters. Key procurement-related discussions included the need to use $2 million from the prior year's fund balance to balance the upcoming budget, driven by increased costs such as mandated salary steps for teachers, textbook adoptions totaling $2.5 million, and utility cost increases. The board reviewed various funds including the general fund, special revenue funds (notably federal grants for food service and education programs), debt service funds, and capital projects funded by property taxes and state allocations. Concerns were raised about the school food service program running a negative balance due to federal reimbursement limitations and rising costs. The board also discussed the impact of scholarship vouchers on funding and the need to manage reserves carefully amid declining revenues and rising expenses. The meeting included a motion to approve the advertisement of the tentative budget and tax notices, with plans for a public hearing scheduled for July 28, 2026. Overall, the board emphasized fiscal responsibility, protecting classroom instruction, and exploring cost-saving measures such as attrition and operational efficiencies to address budget shortfalls without impacting staff jobs or essential services.