Orange County's school board gave tentative approval to a $3.7 billion budget Tuesday, but with less money from the state.
- Orange County tentatively approves $3.7 billion school budget
- District got $40 million less from the state
- School board says it focused on priorities
- RELATED: See the school budget presentation (.PDF)
“$3.7 billion makes us the second largest corporate contributor in this community," shared Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.
Because of funding changes approved by state lawmakers, the 2017-2018 school year budget includes millions less.
“The state budget was reduced by about $535 million statewide and for the local school district, our district, that means about $40 million did not come to our district to help support the students," explained Dale Kelley, who serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Orange County Public Schools.
With that in mind, school board members agreed upon must-have budget priorities, including raises for deserving employees and no cuts to academic, art and athletic programs for more than 200,000 students.
“This year because of the budget outlook, we set aside all of our pet projects and we didn’t make a single request," said school board Chairman Bill Sublette. "Because with complete unanimity, this board, all eight members, said we want to make sure our support staff and teachers get raises and that we don’t raise health insurance premiums. That’s our number one priority for this board."
District leaders are also thankful for the voter approved half-cent sales tax, which will allowed them to open six new schools and seven newly renovated schools on Aug. 14.
Several other new and renovated schools are slated for completion between now and 2021.
"Jobs and the welfare of our families, the economic drivers in this community, OCPS is a significant player," Superintendent Jenkins said.
The $3.7 billion Orange County Public Schools budget is expected to receive final approval on Sept. 12.