August 15, 2025

Leon County School Board Approves Budget and Policy Changes

News Summary

The Leon County School Board has unanimously approved a tentative budget of $645 million and several policy amendments, aimed at addressing a projected budget shortfall and future growth. Significant updates include the establishment of a new Project Manager position and revised health plan policies. The board also sanctioned major construction projects and approved a mental health assistance allocation plan. In the face of anticipated population growth, discussions centered on long-term solutions to infrastructure and funding challenges, reflecting the board’s commitment to student well-being and educational quality.

Leon County School Board Approves Tentative Budget and Policy Amendments

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Leon County School Board convened on July 29, 2025, to approve a tentative budget and several policy amendments, with all measures receiving unanimous support from board members. The school board’s actions are aimed at navigating a projected budget deficit and responding to future growth in the district.

Tentative Budget Overview

The approved tentative budget for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026, totals $645 million. This figure represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. The board has set the total millage rate at 5.366, which is expected to generate approximately $156.5 million in tax revenue. The finalized budget will undergo further discussion and is slated for adoption on September 9, 2025, at a meeting to be held at the Aquilina C. Howell Center in Tallahassee.

Policy Amendments and New Positions

In addition to the budget, the board made significant amendments to existing policies. Effective July 30, 2025, Policy 1600 will establish a new position for a Project Manager, Roofing in Maintenance. Amendments to Policies 1419, 3419, and 4419 concerning Group Health Plans will include updated language related to insurance eligibility and costs associated with the Family and Medical Leave Act. Furthermore, the amendments to Policy 5500.01 regarding the Student Discipline Matrix will be prepared for a public hearing on September 9, 2025.

Additional Approvals and Projects

Other items approved during the meeting include revisions to the Code of Conduct for Leon County Schools (LCS) and the establishment of new policies on Student Internet Safety and Staff Technology Acceptable Use, which will take effect on July 30, 2025. The Board also approved the Lively Pre-K Program Relocation 5-Year Educational Plant Supplemental Survey and a School Concurrency Agreement for the Greenpoint/Welaunee Heel Subdivision.

The school board also sanctioned a contract with Childers Construction Co. for $14,131,975 to address the new gymnasium phase and demolition project at Griffin Middle School. An annual contract not exceeding $189,750 with Parent Square was also authorized for the 2025-2026 school year. Furthermore, the 2025-2026 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan was approved, showing the board’s commitment to student well-being.

Concerns and Future Discussions

Superintendent Rocky Hanna raised concerns over a projected budget shortfall of over $12 million, attributed to frozen federal funds, student loss to Florida’s expanded voucher program, and increasing service costs. These financial concerns highlight the challenges the school district faces moving forward.

During discussions, Board Member Alva Smith emphasized the importance of considering long-term solutions related to infrastructure and funding, particularly in light of anticipated population growth in the Welaunee area. The board must also address potential overcrowding issues in schools resulting from this growth.

Out-of-Country Travel and Rejecting RFP

Furthermore, the board approved out-of-county travel for School Board Member Alva Smith to attend the Annual Chamber Community Conference, with no reimbursement requested. However, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a School Bus Infraction Detection System was rejected during the meeting. A contract for the 2025-2026 FINALSITE program was also approved, with a total cost not exceeding $36,740.

As the Leon County School Board looks to finalize its budget and implement new policies, the focus remains on ensuring financial stability while accommodating the needs of a growing student population.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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