News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has proposed a budget increase of over $36 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Aimed at improving teacher salaries and hiring more counselors, the budget addresses rising costs primarily supported by local tax revenue. Despite the acknowledgment of staffing challenges, the district is prepared for potential funding adjustments. A public hearing to discuss the details saw minimal engagement, indicating a need for greater community outreach as discussions continue regarding the millage rate.
Savannah
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) has proposed a substantial budget increase of over $36 million for the fiscal year 2026 during a public hearing on May 7, 2025. This proposed budget aims to address rising costs and is primarily funded through local tax revenue, reflecting an ongoing commitment to support teachers and enhance student services.
The new budget, which has been set at approximately $940 million following a 5-4 board vote, includes specific allocations aimed at improving teacher compensation and hiring additional school counselors. Notably, the budget outlines a 3% cost of living increase for teachers’ salaries, which amounts to nearly $9 million. The adjustment comes in response to escalating housing costs in Savannah that are hindering the district’s ability to both recruit and retain qualified educators.
Currently, the district has less than 100 unfilled teaching positions and has adjusted its budget to account for these vacancies with a deduction of $10 million. Although the budget does not fully account for the potential 300 vacancies, it allows for some level of anticipation regarding staffing challenges. The funding increase also anticipates an additional contribution of just over $9 million from state resources, further alleviating financial pressures.
One noteworthy aspect of the proposed budget is its exclusion of federal funding, which accounts for a minority of the district’s finances—estimated closer to 6%. Board officials have indicated a readiness to adapt to potential federal funding cuts without catastrophic consequences for the district’s operations.
Despite the significant adjustments and the goals outlined in the proposed budget, the public hearing on May 7 drew minimal community engagement, with only one citizen present to offer feedback. A second public hearing is scheduled for May 14, providing an additional opportunity for community members to voice their opinions on the budget.
Continuing Discussions
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School Board continues discussions regarding the proposed millage rate, which remains unchanged at 17.481 mills from the previous year. While some board members expressed support for the budget’s priorities, disagreement arose concerning the millage rate itself. The superintendent has highlighted the importance of ongoing public discussions about the budget, emphasizing that any proposed reductions to the millage rate would necessitate cuts from the district’s fund balance.
Next Steps
Public hearings on the millage rate are scheduled for June 17 and June 25, with the final decision on the budget and millage rate to be made on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. This timeline allows for further community involvement and input, as the district seeks to align its financial strategy with the needs of its staff and students.
As Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools navigate these financial reforms, the proposed budget reflects both current challenges in education funding and a proactive approach to enhancing educational support, ensuring that the needs of teachers and students are addressed effectively.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: SCCPSS Looking to Spend About $940 Million Based on Preliminary 2026 Budget
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- WSAV: Multi-Million Dollar Budget Increase for Savannah-Chatham County Schools
- Google Search: Savannah Chatham County School Budget
- Savannah Now: SCCPSS Proposes Total Budget of Nearly $942 Million
- Google Scholar: Savannah Chatham County Public Schools
- WTOC: SCCPSS Passes Tentative More Than $940 Million Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
