FASTfacts - July 28, 2026 (Vol. 22, Issue 02)

Board Approves $1.23B Tentative Budget

School Board members unanimously approved a tentative budget of $1.23 billion for the 2026-27 school year, nearly $79 million less than last year.

At their special meeting, Board members noted the tentative millage rate and budget received one week earlier.

The proposed millage rate is 6.2940. One mill equals $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

Budget highlights include:

• $410,892,348 Instructional costs
• $249,006,472 Facilities Acquisition and Construction
• $65,990,250 Central Services
• $58,243,562 Food Services
• $54,401,595 Plant Operations
• $48,718,961 Pupil Personnel Services
• $28,507,601 School Administration
• $27,892,724 Student Transportation Services
• $25,932,409 Debt Services

The proposed budget also considers a beginning fund balance of more than $345 million.

Three work sessions are set for Aug. 6, 13, and 20, all starting at 9 a.m. These sessions are open to the public.

View the tentative budget at this link.

Big-Ticket Items Garner Big-Purchase Approvals

Several big-ticket items are moving forward in the purchasing process after receiving approval from School Board members, including:

• $3.34 million for technology products, solutions, and related services
• $1 million for school bus video surveillance systems
• $672K for unforeseen subsurface issues, remediation, and site restoration at South Marion High School
• $650K for Adult General Education grant through the Florida Department of Education
• Up to $184K for additional site work for West Port High School’s synthetic turf field project
• $150K for higher-than-expected participation costs of the 2026 Summer Feeding Program

Self-Funded Health Plan Costs Going Up

MCPS employees will pay more for health insurance this school year because of rising health care costs.

By a 3-2 vote, School Board members approved higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expense limits for all four insurance plans. This will help offset almost $6 million in additional costs associated with the $61 million insurance program.

Employees can still choose the free plan offered by the District, along with a new “Assured Excellence” program, which may offer additional cost-saving options.

The Board’s approval also maintains safe harbor requirements for 60- and 90-day time periods should the self-insured plans experience higher-than-expected claims.

Visit this page for more information. Open enrollment takes place this fall.

Eight first-time MCPS principals share a moment following official School Board recognition at tonight's meeting.