10 Things to Know About the FY2026 Budget
Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget, as recommended by Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor, represents an investment plan for the school district, its students, employees, and the community as a whole. The proposed FY2026 Budget supports GCPS’ strategic direction, aligning with the district’s efforts to transform public education so that it is truly student-centered, equity-focused, and future-driven. The proposed FY2026 budget also includes investments that directly support the district’s identified areas of focus for implementing the strategic plan in 2025–26.
- The proposed FY2026 Total Budget is approximately $3.4 billion.
- The General Fund budget, which covers the primary day-to-day operations of the school district, accounts for 80% of the budget.
- The General Fund budget, which covers the primary day-to-day operations of the school district, accounts for 80% of the budget.
- Every teacher will receive a $1,000 salary increase, and a longevity step (if applicable).
- Teacher salary increases will be funded 100% by GCPS local revenue as there are no increases to teacher salaries in the State of Georgia’s FY2026 budget. Most teachers will qualify for a $1,500 one-time retention supplement (see #3). The majority of teachers will receive a 5% increase in total.
- Teacher salary increases will be funded 100% by GCPS local revenue as there are no increases to teacher salaries in the State of Georgia’s FY2026 budget. Most teachers will qualify for a $1,500 one-time retention supplement (see #3). The majority of teachers will receive a 5% increase in total.
- Employees not paid on the teacher salary schedule will receive a minimum 1.0% cost-of-living increase, and a longevity step (if applicable).
- Considering the one-time supplement, the average employee will receive a 5.7% increase in total. The lower an employee’s annual salary, the higher their percentage increase will be. Executive-level staff will receive less than a 1.5% increase.
- A one-time retention supplement for all eligible employees structured to provide higher payment amounts to lower compensated employees:
• $2,000 for eligible employees earning under $50k
• $1,500 for eligible employees earning $50–$100k
• $500 for eligible employees earning above $100k
- The FY2026 budget includes funding to cover increases in both the State Health Benefit Plan and the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS).
- GCPS is projected to experience increases in revenue streams at both the state and local levels for FY2026.
- Local revenue is projected to increase, largely due to an anticipated 5.0% increase to property tax revenue. State revenue is also projected to increase, primarily from increased earnings related to the increased cost of the employer portion of certified health insurance and TRS rates.
- Local revenue is projected to increase, largely due to an anticipated 5.0% increase to property tax revenue. State revenue is also projected to increase, primarily from increased earnings related to the increased cost of the employer portion of certified health insurance and TRS rates.
- A proposed reduction of .2 mills for the FY2026 millage rate.
- The Maintenance and Operations rate is proposed to be lowered from 19.10 mills to 18.90 mills while the Debt Service rate will remain at 1.45 mills.
- The Maintenance and Operations rate is proposed to be lowered from 19.10 mills to 18.90 mills while the Debt Service rate will remain at 1.45 mills.
- Safe and Welcoming Schools
- Increase the number of SROs and other security personnel for elementary schools. Increase safety and security weapons detection systems and measures at middle and high schools. Funding for additional student crisis prevention training for staff and an online system to manage and support student behavior incidents and consequences. Increased funding for local schools’ custodial supplies to keep schools clean and safe. Funding facility improvements including HVAC, roof, and carpet replacements at local school buildings. Additional funding for cyber and network security.
- Increase the number of SROs and other security personnel for elementary schools. Increase safety and security weapons detection systems and measures at middle and high schools. Funding for additional student crisis prevention training for staff and an online system to manage and support student behavior incidents and consequences. Increased funding for local schools’ custodial supplies to keep schools clean and safe. Funding facility improvements including HVAC, roof, and carpet replacements at local school buildings. Additional funding for cyber and network security.
- Literacy Proficiency
- Increase funding to provide 25 additional Literacy Specialists in identified elementary and middle schools to support literacy growth for students and professional development for teachers.
- Increase funding to provide 25 additional Literacy Specialists in identified elementary and middle schools to support literacy growth for students and professional development for teachers.
- Each and Every School
- Increase the number of special education staff allotments (additional 143) to local schools to provide greater access and support for students with disabilities. Expand the use of funds earmarked for English learner support to provide enhanced staff training, interventions, and strategies to address the needs of multilingual learners based on research and evaluation results. Funding for a professional name-reading system to be used at all high school graduations.
- Increase the number of special education staff allotments (additional 143) to local schools to provide greater access and support for students with disabilities. Expand the use of funds earmarked for English learner support to provide enhanced staff training, interventions, and strategies to address the needs of multilingual learners based on research and evaluation results. Funding for a professional name-reading system to be used at all high school graduations.
- College and Career Readiness
- Additional funding for online system for college and career exploration and planning activities for all middle and high school students.
Please click the following links for downloadable versions of this content:
Translations Coming Soon