In April, the DeKalb Schools administration presented a 2-page estimated FY2018 budget for the upcoming 2017 – 2018 school year. On Monday, the administration will present a complete tentative budget and revenue projects.
|
Tax revenues for the school district’s general operating fund have grown almost 30% ($213 million) over the last 4 years and are expected to reach $1 billion this coming school year. All funds including SPLOST will bring FY2018 anticipated revenues to over $1.6 billion.
Beginning Fund Balance – This past year, the school district spent everything it took in. The Beginning Fund Balance (Jul 2017) is expected to be $123 million.
The estimated Budgeted Expenses are currently $1.031 billion, $31 million over estimated revenues. The Superintendent and board expect to cut that down to $1 billion over the upcoming months. I expect the school district to spend everything it takes in again this year.
DeKalb’s Millage Rate is currently 23.38. The current estimates assumes no changes in the millage rate, but their are discussions about inching it back down toward pre-recession rates.
Where is the increase going? The FY2018 budget estimates are roughly $45 million more than the original FY2017 general operating budget.
$8 million (annualized) – January 2017 1.5% school house salary adjustment. No other estimated raises for teachers this year.
$4 million – Funds appropriated in December for deferred maintenance
$3.6 million – Austin Elementary land swap
$2.7 million – mid year charter schools funding adjustment
$12 million – mandatory TRS contribution increase
Budget Estimates 2017-2018 (FY2017)
FY2017 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment
Budget for School Year 2016-2017 (FY2017)
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”