Fulton School Board Approves 2018 Budget

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Despite revenue concerns that could force the system to go back to the drawing table and crunch the numbers, Fulton County School Board has approved its fiscal year 2018 budget.

The budget, which will go into effect on July 1, was approved during the board's June 22 meeting, and comes after several weeks of debate and intense discussions around increased tax assessments for 2017 and their impact on school systems’ financial operations.

Following a sweeping chorus of community denunciation, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday voted to hold the assessments to their 2016 levels, which means that the school system’s tentatively approved budget from May could require adjustment at a later date.

“There have been some uncertain times over the past few weeks, but Fulton County Schools is prepared to manage our spending and make appropriate adjustments when we receive the final tax digest later this summer,” said Fulton School Board President Linda Bryant. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ decision will delay us receiving the final digest, but we have planned a budget that supports our board priorities, focuses on strategically supporting our schools and is based on advice and guidance from the tax assessor.

“If any school district is prepared to navigate this situation, it’s Fulton County Schools,” she continued. “Our past history of responsible, conservative management, as well as our strong fund balance, gives us confidence that we are able to adapt and adjust as necessary.”

The school board strives to achieve a revenue neutral budget and will set a millage rate later this summer that balances that goal with school system needs. Currently, the millage rate is 18.483 and the lowest in the metro Atlanta area.

The approved budget also maintains the school board’s commitment to adequately funding schools and the classroom, with 68 percent of the $1 billion general fund devoted to instruction and the remaining 32 percent budgeted for pupil transportation, maintenance and operations, and other administrative functions. The budget also keeps class sizes the same and does not include any staff reductions or furlough days for employees.

It continues the school board’s focus on appropriately aligning funding to personnel and programs, with a 2 percent raise granted for employees paid on the teaching salary schedule and a 1 percent raise given for all other district staff. Eligible employees in the district also will receive a step increase as they transition to the new budget year. This is the school system’s seventh consecutive year of providing some level of increased compensation to employees.

• More details on the approved budget are posted online.
  

The school board also named Kimberly Dove as its finalist for Catherine Maddox's District 6 position. Maddox stepped down last month due to health concerns. District 6 includes parts of East Point, College Park and Union City.

Following Maddox’s announcement, the school board invited potential candidates to submit letters of interest with a resume. From these, the board selected Dove as its finalist and will formalize her selection at its Aug. 10 work session.

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