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Fulton County Schools is entering the FY 2026–27 budget cycle during a time of increasing financial pressure. Rising operational costs, changes in student enrollment, and evolving local and state funding conditions are creating challenges that require careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. While the district remains committed to supporting students and staff, these realities mean every dollar must be evaluated closely to ensure resources are aligned with our highest priorities.
This budget development process begins months before the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2026, and continues through adoption in June. Throughout this time, the district is committed to transparency, community engagement, and clear communication about how financial decisions are made and how they impact schools.
G.L.I.D.E. and the Budget Process
Over the past several months, Fulton County Schools has been engaged in the G.L.I.D.E. process, a framework designed to improve financial transparency, evaluate long-term sustainability, and gather input from stakeholders. That work has now transitioned into the district’s formal budget development process. The analysis, feedback, and financial modeling completed through G.L.I.D.E. are directly informing the decisions now before the Board of Education as it reviews priorities for the upcoming school year.
In December, the Board of Education took an important step in this process by approving the School Allotment Guidelines. These guidelines allow schools to begin developing their budgets for the 2026–27 school year and provide a framework for staffing and resource decisions at the local level. This action marks the official start of budget planning for schools and ensures principals have the information they need to prepare for the year ahead.
From this point forward, the district will continue moving through the required budget milestones, including revenue projections, enrollment forecasting, public hearings, and Board review, leading to final adoption in June.
This message is the first in 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.
Key Dates and Events
- FY 2025 mid-year budget adjustments (December 9, 2025)
- School Formulas and Guidelines adopted (December 19, 2025)
- Economic outlook update from the Tax Assessor (February 19, 2026)
- Enrollment forecasting (March 10, 2026)
- Revenue projections (March 19, 2026)
- Special Revenue Funds review (April 16, 2026)
- Capital Improvement Program review (April 16, 2026)
- Superintendent’s General Fund budget presentation (April 23, 2026)
- Salary hearing #1 if necessary (May 5, 2026)
- Public budget hearing #1 (May 5, 2026)
- Salary hearing #2 (May 12, 2026)
- Public budget hearing #2 (May 12, 2026)
- 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
Next month, Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef will brief the Board on the Governor’s budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. Final details from the state are expected in March or April, and the district will continue closely monitoring the process.
We Want Your Input
Public feedback plays an important role in shaping a budget that reflects our community’s priorities. You can share your thoughts during the public budget hearings in May, send comments at any time to boardservices@fultonschools.org, or attend your Board member’s monthly community meetings.
Stay informed as we share updates throughout the process. For more details and ways to get involved, visit fultonschools.org/budgetservices.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to shape the future of Fulton County Schools.
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