WINCHESTER, TN – The Franklin County Board of Education has begun its first round of discussions on the fiscal year 2027 school budget, starting with a needs list that could require an additional $4.9 million in revenue.
The initial budget draft reviewed by the board proposes increasing total school system appropriations from $56.2 million to approximately $61.1 million.
Director of Schools Dr. Cary Holman told board members that the district is facing several upcoming capital and operational costs. Among the items included in the preliminary proposal are roughly $500,000 for upgrades to two athletic fields, $100,000 for a roof replacement on a maintenance building and $300,000 for a new roof on the Townsend School gym.
The budget must also account for state-mandated teacher salary increases tied to Gov. Bill Lee’s Teacher Paycheck Protection Act, which calls for a phased increase in the minimum teacher salary to $50,000. Officials estimate the district will need approximately $2.13 million to meet the required salary adjustments for the coming school year.
Additional proposed expenses include funding for teacher degree advancements and step increases, a 3.5 percent pay raise for both certified and classified employees and a five percent increase in health insurance funding to keep pace with inflation.
Incoming Director of Schools Dr. Roger Alsup, who will take over the role July 1, told board members that the district is still navigating several financial unknowns.
“As we plan for the upcoming school year, our district is navigating several financial unknowns, specifically regarding our final revenue figures, which are not yet fully clear,” Alsup said.
School officials must also decide whether to request additional funding from the Franklin County Commission or use part of the district’s $8.9 million reserve fund. Final decisions will depend in part on how much state funding the district ultimately receives.
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