Volusia Schools Sets July 28 Hearing for Tentative Budget | The Locally Times
The Volusia County School District will present its initial millage rates and budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with final adoption scheduled for September.
Volusia County School District will hold a public hearing on July 28, 2026, to present its tentative millage rates and district budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This hearing marks a key step in determining how taxpayer funds will be allocated for local education and school operations. ## Upcoming Budget Decisions for Volusia Schools The July 28, 2026, public hearing is designated for the adoption of both the tentative millage rates and the overall district budget. Following this initial presentation, the district has scheduled a second public hearing for September 8, 2026, for the adoption of the final district budget. These decisions will directly influence the resources available for student programs and educational operations, impacting the quality of education and potentially the property tax burden for residents. The specific millage rates and detailed budget figures for the 2026-27 fiscal year are not publicly available in the records ahead of the July 28 hearing. ## District Emphasizes Fiscal Transparency and Efficiency Volusia County Schools maintains a public commitment to fiscal responsibility and the proper stewardship of public funds, as detailed on its financial transparency page. The district's strategic plan includes Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring all resources and operational functions are efficient and aligned with the district's vision and strategy. This web-based fiscal transparency tool identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement by analyzing the ratio of classroom instruction expenditures to total expenditures, as outlined in Section 1011.035(2)(a) and 1010.20(2)(c) of Florida Statutes. This tool allows taxpayers to evaluate the financial efficiency of the school district compared to other districts. ## The Annual Budget Cycle and Public Engagement The Volusia County School District’s budgeting process follows a structured annual cycle, adhering to the Florida Department of Revenue’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) Compliance Workbook for School Districts. The district publishes a Preliminary, a Tentative, and a Final budget each year. These documents outline the anticipated revenues and appropriations for the fiscal period, which runs from July to June 30. The Final Annual Budget is typically published in early September. While Volusia County Schools prepares for its budget hearings, other local governments are also engaged in financial planning. The City of Belle Isle held a Budget Committee Meeting on April 13, 2026. Additionally, the City of South Daytona has scheduled a City Council Meeting for July 28, 2026, at City Hall, though its agenda details are not yet available. ## Key Questions **What will happen at the July 28th meeting?** Volusia County Schools will hold a public hearing to present and adopt its tentative millage rates and the district budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. **When will the final budget be approved?** The final district budget is scheduled for adoption at a separate public hearing on September 8, 2026. **Where can residents find budget information?** The Volusia County Schools' financial transparency page provides links to budgets, financial reports, and other data on resource allocation and utilization.