How the GCPS FY2026 Budget Supports Students and Staff

The Gwinnett County Public Schools 2025-26 (FY2026) budget is designed to support student success, ensure teacher excellence, and ensure safe learning spaces. A well-funded school system gives students the resources they need to succeed, keeps neighborhoods strong, and supports local businesses by preparing students for future jobs.  

GCPS continues to invest in Career, Technical & Agricultural Education (CTAE) opportunities that ensure our students graduate prepared to join the workforce or continue their education, which strengthens our local economy. We are also prioritizing school safety with improvements like additional school resource officers, security cameras, check-in systems for visitors, emergency response badges, and behavioral support for students.  

In addition, the budget will fund important school building projects supported by E-SPLOST. This includes upgrading heating and cooling systems, replacing old roofs, renovating classrooms, and improving school facilities with new paint, carpet, and, in some schools, added space. Other improvements like better technology, and cybersecurity also support our students, families, and staff.   

By investing in education today, we ensure a better future for our entire community. Whether you have children in school or not, a strong educational system supports economic growth, safety, and a higher quality of life for everyone. 

Here’s how specific investments in the FY2026 budget directly benefits your child and our schools: 

Safer Schools & Student Well-being: 

• Upgraded security systems, visitor check-in software, and improved emergency response systems. 

• Additional School Resource Officers (SROs) for elementary schools 

• Additional funding for safety and security detection systems and measures at middle and high schools 

• Additional funding for student crisis prevention training for staff 

• Additional funding for systems and support for student behavior management 

• Increased funding for school maintenance and cleaning 

• Enhancing cyber and network security 

 

Better Learning Opportunities for Every Student: 

• Expanded special education resources and classroom support.  

• Additional Literacy Specialists to support student literacy growth 

• Additional funding for college and career exploration and planning activities for middle and high school students, as well as enhancements for high school graduations 

 

Investing in Teachers & Staff: 

• Competitive salary increases to attract and retain the best educators

• More professional development and training opportunities for teachers

 

New & Improved School Facilities: 

• Renovated classrooms, enhanced school infrastructure, and new playgrounds

• New Middle School in the Archer Cluster  

 

We are committed to ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed! Gwinnett County Public Schools carefully plans the annual budget throughout the year, making sure it reflects the needs of students, teachers, and the community. Most of the budget is dedicated to classroom instruction, ensuring students get the best education possible. Before finalizing the budget, the school district hosts multiple public meetings where parents, teachers, and community members can share their thoughts and ask questions.  

Join us for Board of Education budget meetings, read budget updates, and ask questions. You can find the following resources and view additional updates coming soon about FY2026 on our website: 

• FY2026 Budget Calendar 

• FY2026 District Budget Overview 

• House Bill 581 Property Tax Exemption 

• Understanding E-SPLOST: Maintaining and Enhancing Our Schools 

Thank you for your continued support!