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Savannah-Chatham County Schools Face Budget Uncertainties

Members of the Savannah-Chatham County School Board discuss budgeting strategies in a recent meeting.

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is grappling with budget challenges as it anticipates federal funding cuts and salary increases. The projected Fiscal Year 2026 budget is $940 million, with ongoing discussions about potential cost-cutting measures, including unfilled teaching positions. School board discussions highlight concerns over teacher support amid rising housing costs and the impact of legislation proposing private school vouchers. Community input is being sought through public surveys and meetings to shape budget priorities ahead of the final vote scheduled for June 4th.

Savannah, Georgia – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is facing significant uncertainties regarding its budget as leaders navigate potential federal funding cuts and prepare for salary increases. The school board recently convened to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which is projected at approximately $940 million.

Concerns have arisen following recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, which may impact federal funding allocations to the district. SCCPSS officials note that reductions in federal funds may not be immediately felt, but could lead to more pronounced difficulties in future years. Compounding these uncertainties is a proposed new bill that focuses on vouchers for private and home schools, which may further affect the district’s budget.

Budgeting Services Director Paige Cooley informed the school board that the district is actively looking for cost-cutting measures, particularly in regards to budgeting for unfilled teaching positions. The school district has already implemented over $12 million in cuts from the budget through central office reductions without having to lay off any staff members. Currently, the main priorities for the district remain centered on pay raises and implementing a 3% cost of living increase for employees.

The school board is evaluating various budget scenarios, which include potential adjustments to the millage rates and contributions to the fund balance. A final vote on the budget and millage rate is scheduled for June 4th, following additional public hearings, including one set for May 14th. In an effort to involve the community, SCCPSS is conducting a public survey to gather local opinions on what budget priorities should be emphasized, although attendance at public hearings has been disappointingly low.

The proposed budget represents a $36 million increase from the preceding year, primarily funded through local tax revenue. It is worth noting that the general fund budget accounts for nearly 70.8% of the total budget, totaling almost $667 million. In contrast, the anticipated contribution from federal funding is minimal, projected to be less than 10% of the overall budget, specifically around 6%.

School Board President Roger Moss highlighted the importance of providing better support for teachers, particularly in light of rising housing costs in Savannah which are impacting recruitment and retention efforts. The school district currently reports having fewer than 100 vacant teacher positions, with a deduction of $10 million accounted for in the budget due to these vacancies. However, SCCPSS deals with an extensive monthly turnover rate that sees between 685 to 710 vacancies, impacting the budgeting strategy for unfilled roles.

Furthermore, a decrease in the millage rate from 18.881 mills in 2020 to 17.481 mills currently has been noted, as the district continues to assess its financial strategies. As the budget discussions progress, there is also ongoing dialogue concerning the urgent need for additional mental health counselors and various student support initiatives to better cater to the needs of students.

These discussions and evaluations are critical as SCCPSS prepares its educational budget amid external challenges slated to affect funding patterns in the years ahead. With multiple budget and millage rate hearings scheduled in June, stakeholders will have further opportunities to provide feedback before the board makes its final decisions.