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Gwinnett County Public Schools

GCPS Shares Proposed FY2027 Budget Focused on Students, Staff, and Strong Schools

GCPS Shares Proposed FY2027 Budget Focused on Students, Staff, and Strong Schools

     Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has presented its proposed FY2027 budget, an intentional, student-centered financial plan that reallocates over $18 million in savings to support students and staff, prioritizes responsible stewardship of resources, and addresses needs.  We have placed clear emphasis on reducing overall spending while protecting and enhancing classroom quality. The overall budget does not propose an increase or recommend a millage rate increase, continuing its strong record of responsible tax stewardship. 

     This proposed budget reflects GCPS’ ongoing commitment to its core beliefs and commitments, ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive environment. 

Built with Community Input 

     Each year, GCPS invites students, families, staff, and community members to share their priorities through the district’s annual budget survey. This year, more than 12,000 stakeholders participated. 

Across all groups, three key priorities consistently rose to the top: 

  • Supporting and retaining high-quality staff through competitive compensation 

  • Ensuring safe and welcoming schools 

  • Expanding innovative programs to help students succeed 

This feedback played a vital role in shaping the proposed FY2027 budget. 
 

Key Investments in the Proposed Budget 

     The FY2027 budget is aligned to GCPS’ strategic priorities, including literacy and academic excellence, student success, college and career readiness, and safe and welcoming schools. 
 

Supporting Our Teachers and Staff 

     The proposed budget includes: 

  • Salary step increases for eligible employees 

  • A $1,000 increase for teachers and employees paid on the teacher salary schedule 

  • A one-time retention supplement of $2,000 for eligible employees (subject to State appropriation)  

  • Increased compensation for Assistant Principals by increasing contract workdays by 5 days 

  • Increased compensation for Paraprofessionals by approximately $1.50 per hour 

  • Increased compensation for Bus Drivers, Managers, and Monitors by approximately $1.00 per hour 

  • 2.0% Cost-of-living adjustments for eligible employees not paid on the teacher schedule 

  • Continued investment in employee benefits, funding the mandatory rate increase for the employer-paid portion of the State Health Benefit Plan, Teacher Retirement System, and Gwinnett Retirement System 

     These investments strengthen GCPS’ ability to recruit and retain high-quality educators and staff critical to student success while ensuring the district maintains essential service levels, remains competitive in the labor market, and addresses recommendations from recent salary studies. 
 

Safe and Welcoming Schools 

     GCPS continues to prioritize student and staff safety needs by investing in: 

  • Additional school safety supports 

  • Expanded mental health and counseling services 

  • Safe, well-maintained learning environments 

  • Opportunities for Every Student 
     

Teaching and Learning Investments 

     The proposed budget supports programs and services that help students thrive, including: 

Literacy and academic support initiatives 

  • Launch K-1 Summer Literacy Camp at 5 Promise Schools 

  • Implement an intensive reading program for identified students at 3 Promise Middle Schools 

  • Intensive reading course for struggling readers at 6 designated high schools

Each and Every Student  

  • Expand early learning full-day programming 

  • Increase the number of dedicated ML Instructional Specialists at each level in a multiyear phased approach 

  • Pilot Inclusive Education Model  

  • Implement 9th- and 10th-grade Literature and Composition instructional materials with embedded ML support for both sheltered and non-sheltered courses 

College and career readiness opportunities 

  • Elementary: Computer Science / STEM Specials, opportunities for competition robotics teams 

  • Middle: PSAT 8/9 provided to all 8th-grade students at no cost 

  • High: PSAT/NMQST and SAT provided at no cost to 11th graders, SAT Prep support for schools  

Safe and Welcoming Schools 

  • Elementary School Evolv Weapons Detection Pilot (5 Schools)  

  • Hire 15 Additional SROs and continue providing SSOs until each elementary has a dedicated SRO 

  • SSOs will continue to manage Evolv in all Middle and High Schools 

  • Additional equipment for two middle schools and install Evolv at Murphy MS 

  • Continue Evolv operations at athletic events 

  • Suicide prevention education in grades 5, 7, and 9 

  • 4 additional Social Workers to reduce caseload 

  • Additional clinical therapeutic services 

  • Transportation modernization system, including Parent App 

  • New Professional Learning System 

  • Capital Plan (E-SPLOST Funded) Improvements, including HVAC, roof, and carpet replacements at various school buildings  
     

Responsible Stewardship of Resources 

     The proposed FY2027 total budget is approximately $3.5 billion and reflects careful planning to balance student needs with fiscal responsibility. 

     Key highlights include: 

  • About 91% of general fund spending supports salaries and benefits, prioritizing classroom instruction 

  • Approximately $18.4 million in central office savings has been identified and redirected to support schools and students 

  • The district does not recommend a millage rate increase, continuing its strong record of responsible tax stewardship 

 

What Happens Next 

     The budget process includes several opportunities for review and input before final adoption: 

  • April 18: Second Board of Education work session, tentative adoption  

  • May 14: First Public Budget Hearing 

  • May 28: Second Public Hearing, and Final budget adoption vote 

 

Stay Informed and Share Your Feedback 

     GCPS values ongoing community input throughout the budget process. All Board work sessions and public hearings are open to the public. Gwinnett County community members are encouraged to attend meetings, review budget documents online, and participate in the public hearing process to share their perspectives with the Board of Education.  

Families, staff, and community members are encouraged to: 

 

Working Together for Our Students 

     The proposed FY2027 budget reflects GCPS’ commitment to listening to the community, supporting staff, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

Together, we are building a strong future for Gwinnett County Public Schools.