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Dear FCS Community,
This message is part of a series of updates designed to keep parents, employees, and community members informed about key dates, decisions, and milestones throughout the 2026–27 budget process.
Superintendent Makes Recommendations for Mid-Year Budget Adjustments and G.L.I.D.E. Recommendations for the FY2027 Budget
During February, the Superintendent advanced a proposed FY 2026 mid-year adjustment and shared initial recommendations to guide development of the FY 2027 budget.
As noted in prior updates, Fulton County Schools continues to manage rising operational costs, declining enrollment, and anticipated changes in state and local funding. Through the G.L.I.D.E. process, the district has identified strategies to reduce expenditures and generate additional revenue to help address projected budget gaps.
The proposed FY 2026 adjustment includes shortening the 2025 to 2026 instructional calendar by one day, with employees furloughed on that day, and incorporating the Governor’s proposed $2,000 one-time employee supplement.
In addition, recommended G.L.I.D.E. strategies were shared for consideration in the FY 2027 budget. Other strategies remain under review and may be revisited as financial conditions evolve. A complete list of strategies under consideration is available on the G.L.I.D.E. website.
Board-Approved Budget Parameters
The School Board has also established the Budget Parameters for FY 2027, reaffirming priorities such as maintaining competitive compensation, allocating at least 75% of the General Fund to schools, seeking new funding sources, identifying cost efficiencies, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
- Continue to seek alternative funding sources
- Continue to maximize revenue from State QBE via improving FTE count coding
- Allocate at least 75% of the General Fund to schools
- Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies
- Maintain a competitive compensation structure
- To the extent possible be revenue neutral as defined by the tax rollback form
- Maintain at least two months of fund balance
- Continue with a transparent Modified Zero-based budgeting process
- Continue to demonstrate sustainability related to budget recommendations
- Propose cost reduction and revenue generating options to address projected budget gap
Click here to see the budget parameters.
Update from Fulton County Tax Officials and State Budget Outlook
The Board also received updates from the Fulton County Tax Commissioner and the Fulton County Chief Appraiser regarding property tax collections and assessment trends.
County officials reported that property tax collections remain strong for the current cycle. They also provided an analysis of proposed state legislation that could affect homestead exemptions and property tax structures. Depending on final legislative action, these changes could have meaningful revenue implications for Fulton County Schools.
The Chief Appraiser reviewed homestead exemption filings, implementation of new senior exemptions, and the timeline for property assessments. These factors directly influence local revenue projections that will be incorporated into the district’s upcoming revenue forecast.
At the state level, the Georgia General Assembly is currently amending the current fiscal year budget while developing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Final action is expected in early April. Once state budget decisions are finalized, Fulton County Schools will incorporate updated revenue figures into the Superintendent’s proposed budget, which will be presented to the Board in May. Final adoption of the district budget is scheduled for June.
Key Dates and Events
- Enrollment forecasting (March 10, 2026)
- Revenue projections (March 19, 2026)
- Special Revenue Funds review and Capital Improvement Program review (April 16, 2026)
- Superintendent’s General Fund budget presentation (April 23, 2026)
- Public budget hearing #1 and Salary hearing #1, if necessary (May 5, 2026)
- Public budget hearing #2, Salary hearing #2, if necessary, and Adoption of tentative budget and tentative millage rates (May 12, 2026)
- Millage rate public hearings if required (dates to be determined)
- Final budget adoption (June 9, 2026)
- Board adoption of millage rates (July)
Coming Up
We will share more information about enrollment forecasting and revenue projections in next month’s budget update. These two important steps help determine how many students we expect next school year and how much funding the district anticipates receiving—both of which directly shape school budgets. More details will be provided as these discussions take place in March.
We Want Your Input
As the district continues to refine its budget recommendations, parents and community members are encouraged to stay engaged with our Budget Services website and send comments and feedback to boardservices@fultonschools.org. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to shape the future of Fulton County Schools.
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