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Gwinnett County Public Schools

10 Things to Know About the FY2027 Budget

Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) 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 FY2027 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. In addition to new investments, the proposed FY2027 budget strategically redirects savings generated through operational efficiencies to further strengthen the district’s highest-priority initiatives. These reallocated central office savings allow GCPS to invest more intentionally in the areas of focus for implementing the strategic plan in 2026–27, ensuring resources are used effectively to support students and staff.

  1. The proposed FY2027 Total Budget is approximately $3.5 billion and includes an unchanged millage rate of 18.70 mills for FY2027, down from 19.10 mills in FY2026.
    • The General Fund budget, which covers the primary day-to-day operations of the school district, accounts for 81% of the budget.
    • The Maintenance and Operations rate is proposed to remain at 18.70 mills while the Debt Service rate will remain at 1.45 mills.
      • The FY27 millage rate will be adopted by the Board of Education at a public meeting in July or August.
         
  2. Reallocation of $18.3 million including a reduction of 69.98 central office positions with investments targeting supports for schools.
     
  3. In FY2027 every teacher will receive a $1,000 salary increase, and a longevity step (if applicable). Employees not paid on the teacher salary schedule will receive a 2.0% cost-of-living (COLA) 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 FY2027 budget. Most teachers will qualify for a $2,000 one-time retention supplement (see #4).

    • Increase Assistant Principal contract workdays by 5 days (2.5% pay increase)

    • Increase Paraprofessional hourly rate by $1.50/hour

    • Increase Bus Driver hourly rate by $1.00/hour

    • Increase incentive pay for substitute teachers
       

  4. A State of Georgia funded, one-time retention supplement of $2,000 for select employee groups including Teachers, Custodians, School Nutrition Workers, Bus Drivers, School Nurses, School Counselors, and others.
     

  5. The FY2027 budget includes funding to cover mandatory increases in both the State Health Benefit Plan and the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS).
     

  6. GCPS is projected to experience increases in revenue streams at both the state and local levels for FY2027.
    • Local revenue is projected to increase, largely due to an anticipated 1.7% increase to property tax revenue. State revenue is also projected to increase, primarily from Equalization funding and increased earnings related to the mandatory increased cost of the employer portion of certified health insurance and TRS.
       
  7. The FY2027 budget includes investing in Safe and Welcoming Schools.
    • Increase the number of SROs and other security personnel for schools.

    • Pilot safety and security weapons detection systems and measures at elementary schools.

    • Funding facility improvements including HVAC, roof, and carpet replacements at local school buildings. Additional funding for cyber and network security.

    • Transportation modernization system including parent app
       

  8. The FY2027 budget includes investing in Literacy and Academic Excellence.
    • Launch K-1 Summer Literacy Camp at 5 promise schools (Lawrenceville, Norcross, Rockbridge, Stripling, Rosebud)

    • Pilot reduced student-teacher ratios in grades 1-2 during at 5 promise schools (Baldwin, Hopkins, Meadowcreek, Nesbit, Simonton)

    • Intensive Reading Program for identified students at 3 Promise Schools - based on two-years of data (Radloff, Moore, Summerour)

    • Implement 9th and 10th Grade Lit and Comp instructional materials with embedded ML support for both sheltered and non-sheltered courses.

    • Expand early learning full day programming in high-need areas and expand co-teaching classrooms at designated schools
       

  9. The FY2027 budget includes investing in Each and Every Student.
    • Increase number of dedicated ML Instructional Specialists at each level in multiyear phased approach

    • Implement 9th and 10th Grade Lit and Comp instructional materials with embedded ML support

    • Increase inclusive practices and pilot inclusive education model

    • Suicide prevention education (Grade 9)

    • 4 additional Social Workers
       

  10. The FY2027 budget includes investing in College and Career Readiness.
    • Computer Science / STEM Specials (CS4All), opportunities for competition robotics teams

    • PSAT 8/9 provided to all 8th grade students at no cost to families

    • PSAT/NMQST and SAT provided to 11th graders at no cost to families