Categories: School News

Atlanta Public Schools Approves $1.3 Billion Budget

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools has approved a $1.3 billion budget that includes cuts to 135 central office positions aimed at addressing a financial deficit. The budget allocates an additional $45 million for school funding, emphasizing core instruction in literacy and mathematics while also streamlining administrative costs. Significant investments in employee benefits and professional development remain in place despite reductions to the School Nutrition Program, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing educational resources for students.

Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, totaling $1.3 billion. This budget will see significant changes within the district, including the elimination of 135 positions in the Central Office, a move aimed at addressing the growing financial deficit the system is experiencing.

The job cuts are anticipated to lead to savings of approximately $25 million in expenditures. Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Bryan Johnson, has announced that the district will be adopting a “back to basics” approach to maximize resources effectively for students. This approach focuses on reallocating funds from administrative roles to enhance funding for classrooms and schools, ensuring that more financial resources are directed towards direct educational needs.

One significant provision in the newly approved budget is a $45 million increase in direct allocations to school budgets. This funding will particularly focus on core classroom instruction, which will receive an additional $11 million specifically earmarked for improving literacy and mathematics education.

While significant investments are being made in core educational areas, the budget also includes some cuts. Most notably, it eliminates the $15 million general fund transfer to the School Nutrition Program, which could impact meal provisions for students. However, funding for professional development focused on English Language Arts and Math is being maintained, indicating a continued investment in teacher training.

In an effort to streamline spending, the budget will also eliminate duplicated funding for the Atlanta Virtual Academy and the Phoenix Academy. Despite these cuts, a substantial $26 million increase in employee benefits has been included in the budget, reflecting necessary adjustments in the retirement and health benefits systems. Furthermore, the budget will fully fund a step increase for all district employees, totaling $8.8 million.

86% reduction in reliance on reserve funds. This statistic showcases a commitment to achieving financial sustainability while still prioritizing educational outcomes for the approximately 50,000 students served across various school types, including neighborhood, charter, and alternative schools.

In addition to the operational budget adjustments, a new facilities master planning process will be initiated to address the long-term needs of APS’s infrastructure, ensuring that school facilities remain conducive to providing quality education. This demonstrates APS’s forward-thinking approach as it navigates current challenges and prepares for future growth.

While the timeline for implementing the job cuts has not been disclosed, the budget reflects APS’s determination to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive educational environment. Reallocating funds towards classroom instruction and core educational initiatives illustrates the district’s commitment to improving student outcomes and addressing the financial hurdles it faces effectively.

In summary, the fiscal year 2026 budget for Atlanta Public Schools reflects both necessary cuts and strategic investments. As the district aims to combat its financial deficit, it remains focused on enhancing the educational landscape for its students, ensuring resources are maximized for their benefit.

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