CMSD Board Special Meeting - 08/06/2026

The Columbus Municipal School District Board held a special meeting on August 6, 2026, primarily focused on the public budget hearing for the fiscal year 2026-2027. Chief Financial Officer Holly Rogers presented a detailed overview of the district's projected revenues and expenditures, highlighting sources such as local ad valorem taxes, state funding through the Mississippi School Funding Formula, and federal funds including Title I and IDEA. The proposed budget supports approximately 552 staff members and 2,857 students, with total projected expenditures of about $77.7 million across 58 funds. Key procurement-related points included the district's commitment to maintaining the current millage rate of 65.5 mills to support ongoing building maintenance, new instructional programs, and transportation needs, including the final payment on a master bus lease purchase. The board unanimously approved the budget and personnel recommendations, with no motions opposed. The meeting concluded with scheduling a follow-up Teams meeting for further discussion.