Rome City Schools released its tentative Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget on May 15, outlining an actual operating budget of approximately $86.9 million. The district said the larger overall budget figure includes both existing fund balances and other designated funds.
The proposed General Fund revenue totals $86,955,130, drawing from local revenue sources, state funding, city appropriations, and federal contributions. The total budget figure of $105,455,130 includes a projected beginning fund balance of $18.5 million carried over from previous years. District officials said this fund balance is not new spending but represents reserves intended to support long-term financial stability and operations.
Separate funding categories outside the General Fund are also included in the tentative budget. These categories cover debt service payments, capital projects for facilities or infrastructure improvements, federal program allocations, Pre-K funding initiatives, and school nutrition programs.
The district projects ending the fiscal year with the same $18.5 million fund balance it began with for FY27. This approach reflects a balanced budgeting strategy that aims to maintain reserves while supporting ongoing operations.
Rome City Schools operates as a public education provider offering elementary through high school programs and maintains its operations in Rome, Georgia according to the official website. The district reports a graduation rate of 95.7% and provides one-to-one technology access for all K-12 students across multiple schools that offer Advanced Placement courses and career-technical programs according to the official website. The Board of Education sets policy direction while overseeing administration as part of efforts focused on academics, arts and athletics according to the official website.
A public hearing and first reading for this tentative FY27 budget took place at the May board meeting; a second reading is scheduled before final adoption at the June 16 board meeting.
