Savannah-Chatham School Board Approves Budget that Includes Reduction in Millage Rate

The Savannah-Chatham Board of Education approved the FY 2026 Budget and a reduced millage rate in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The adoption followed the third and final public hearing on the millage rate held at 6pm. 

As part of the District’s commitment to be good stewards to the taxpayer, the millage rate was reduced to 17.331 – 0.15 mil lower than the 17.481 rate in the FY 2025 Budget.  This modifications equates to a revenue reduction of $2.8 million.  This budget also represents a commitment to expenditure controls and includes a budget reduction of $13 million due to Vacancy Factor Adjustments, and $12 million in Central Office Reductions.

The FY 2026 as adopted maintains the district’s investment in students and staff by including:

• Pay Scale Adjustments for District Staff to support competitive compensation that is aligned to our goals to recruit, retain, and recognize a highly effective student-focused workforce
• 3% Cost of Living Increase for Staff
• State Required Personnel Step Increases
• Accounts for Teacher Retirement System rate increases and increased costs with State Health Benefit Plans
• Provides a High-Dosage Tutoring initiative
• Provides Differentiated School Supports
• Expands Early Childhood Education

The Budget includes a millage rate with zero (0) mills in General Obligation Bond debt.