07.29.26 Tentative Budget Adoption

The School District of Palm Beach County held a meeting on July 29, 2026, to adopt the tentative budget for fiscal year 2027 and set the millage levy. The board discussed the financial challenges posed by declining student enrollment and the impact on revenue, which is largely enrollment-driven. The proposed budget totals approximately $5.787 billion, including a $55 million increase in the general fund primarily due to family empowerment scholarship vouchers. The millage rate was set at 6.287 mills, a slight decrease from the prior year but above the rollback rate, reflecting increased property values. The board approved the tentative budget and millage levy unanimously, with plans to hold a final hearing in September. The budget advisory committee endorsed the superintendent's recommended budget, which includes a 3.5% recurring salary increase for employees and deferral of new construction projects until enrollment stabilizes.