Richmond County Board of Education Begins Public Review of 2026 Budget Proposal
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Richmond County Board of Education held its first public meeting to discuss the proposed school budget for fiscal year 2026, aiming to increase transparency and community understanding of the district’s financial plans.
At the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Bobby Smith provided a detailed overview of the budget’s funding sources and expenditures. He explained that approximately 60 percent of the school system’s funding comes from the federal government, while the remaining 40 percent is generated through local taxes.
Smith highlighted key elements of the proposed budget, including an increase in the board’s contributions to teacher retirement and health insurance benefits to address rising costs. The district also faces a decline in student enrollment, with 461 fewer students projected compared to the previous year. This decline is expected to result in cuts to central office operating costs and may lead to an increase in local taxpayer contributions.
Smith projected that about $7 million in local funding will be required for the upcoming fiscal year but noted that final millage rates will not be determined until August. He further stated that there will be no salary increases for teachers in the coming year, with pay rates remaining steady to help accommodate the increased benefit expenses.
“If you own property, that’s where those local taxes come from, so they do play a part in it,” Smith said, emphasizing the importance of public understanding of how school funding is structured.
The meeting drew a modest turnout, prompting local taxpayer and attendee Lannis Hill to urge more community members to participate in future budget hearings. Hill praised the presentation as “very comprehensive” and educational but expressed some reservations about proposed pay cuts.
“I hope that we get more public involvement. I hope more people actually come out for these meetings because they are educational,” Hill said.
The Richmond County Board of Education will hold its final public hearing on the budget on June 10, with a final decision expected on June 24. Residents interested in reviewing the full budget breakdown can find the details on the Board of Education’s official website.
