School Board Meeting 9-10-26

The Brevard Public Schools Board held its final budget hearing and regular meeting on September 10, 2026, focusing primarily on the adoption of the fiscal year 2027 millage rates and final budget. The board discussed a $22 million reduction in revenue compared to earlier projections, attributed largely to enrollment declines and a 7% staffing cut implemented to align expenses with expected revenue. The proposed 2027 budget totals approximately $823 million for the general fund, with additional allocations for debt service, capital projects, special revenue, and internal service funds. Public comments raised concerns about cuts to instructional support, particularly for Exceptional Student Education (ESSE) paraprofessionals, highlighting retention challenges and the impact on students with disabilities. The board assured compliance with federal staffing ratios and emphasized ongoing budget adjustments throughout the year. Additionally, the board approved a six-month, $48,000 extension of a consulting contract for lobbying efforts, which have secured significant federal and state funding for educational programs, including a $2.2 million federal appropriation for an aviation academy. Proclamations recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and National Suicide Prevention Month were also adopted. The meeting included discussions on transparency in budget reporting and the importance of community engagement through mentoring programs.