News Summary The Leon County School Board has approved a budget of $647.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a decrease from previous budgets. This budget will support approximately 30,000 K-12 students and 3,500 adult students at Lively Technical College. Additionally, amendments to various policies aimed at enhancing school safety and operations were announced. Concerns about teacher compensation and financial deficits were raised, as the district faces ongoing financial challenges, including a projected $12 million budget deficit for the next year. Leon County, Florida – The Leon County School Board approved a budget of $647.4 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year during a meeting on September 9, 2025. The decision was reached with a 4-0 vote, with Member Cox absent. This newly approved budget marks a decrease from the previous year’s budget of $666 million, reflecting the district’s ongoing financial challenges. The approved budget outlines critical funding allocations that support the educational needs of approximately 30,000 K-12 students and about 3,500 adult students at Lively Technical College. The General Fund, which is the operating budget, is set at $368 million, accounting for 56.9% of the total budget. Additionally, the Special Revenue Fund has been budgeted at $78.7 million, contributing 12.2% to the overall budget. The remaining funds include $122.7 million designated for Capital Projects and $77.6 million for Debt Service. The budget will sustain operations across a total of 51 educational facilities, which comprise 22 elementary schools, 2 kindergarten through grade 8 schools, 8 middle schools, 6 high schools, 1 vocational-technical college, 1 adult education center, 4 charter schools, and 6 special/alternative schools. To support these operations, over 2,000 teachers and 450 aides will be funded under this budget, playing a vital role in delivering direct educational services to students in classrooms. In conjunction with the budget approval, the Leon County School Board also announced several policy amendments aimed at enhancing school safety and operations. These include changes to the Student Discipline Matrix (Policy 5500.01) effective September 10, 2025, and proposed amendments to Policy 5136 concerning Wireless Communication Devices, which are slated for a public hearing on October 28, 2025. Other amendments concerning Background Screening and Employment History Checks, Registered Sexual Predators/Sex Offenders, and Criminal Background Checks for Non-Instructional Contractors will also be publically discussed on that date. Additionally, the board awarded a contract for the renovation of the basketball court at Fort Braden K-8 School to Southland Contracting, Inc. for a total of $462,691. The ongoing financial difficulties faced by the district were highlighted by Superintendent Rocky Hanna, who noted an expected $12 million budget deficit for the following school year. Factors contributing to this deficit include frozen federal funds and a projected decline of approximately 375 students. The school district has also made adjustments to its tax rate, setting it at 5.366 mills, a minor decrease from the previous rate of 5.384 mills. Despite the reduction, this move is regarded as a tax increase by many due to rising property values in the county. Concerns regarding teacher compensation were brought to light by the Leon Classroom Teachers Association, which criticized the district’s salary offer during recent negotiations, expressing that it falls short of the state average. Furthermore, Lively Technical College is undergoing rebranding efforts, which include a $180,000 marketing contract with Bowstern Marketing Communications to boost its visibility and attract more students. In a notable appointment, Lincoln High School senior Siri Davidi will represent students as a member of the school board for the 2025-26 year, recognized for her academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities. The Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas reached out to school board chair Laurie Lawson Cox, stressing the importance of ensuring timely salary raises for teachers amid concerns about delays attributed to Superintendent Hanna. This budget and the initiatives discussed demonstrate the district’s ongoing efforts to support its educational workforce and student population amid significant financial challenges and evolving educational needs. 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