School Board of Lee County approves $3+ billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027

The School District of Lee County announced on Wednesday that the school board approved its operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The total amount of the approved budget is $3,055,366,436. The school district says that this is an 11.41% decrease from last year. Also highlighted in this year's budget is a lower millage rate, 5.271 mills, which is down from 5.319 mills in FY2026. "This budget is proof of our disciplined stewardship of every taxpayer dollar in Lee County,” said Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin. “We've aligned funding with enrollment, kept a tight rein on Central Office spending, and lowered the millage rate for the eighth time in nine years. Our priority is simple: every dollar serves our students and the achievement they deserve. That's the standard we hold ourselves to, and it's one our families can count on.” This comes after a year rife with budget-cut controversies as the district has looked to decrease spending in response to a lower student population. Previous coverage on budget cuts: Lee County schools face $47 million budget shortfall after losing students Lee County schools face $47 million budget cuts amid enrollment decline Lee County families fear arts programs may be eliminated amid $47 million in budget cuts Lee County community protests $47 million school budget cuts Full Exclusive Interview: Lee schools superintendent explains proposed $47M in budget cuts School District of Lee County superintendent defends $47 million budget cuts amid protests DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV