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Additional Budget Reductions

Additional Budget Reduction Options Under Consideration for Leon County Schools

As Leon County Schools works to finalize a balanced budget for the 2026–2027 school year, district leadership has identified a set of additional potential budget reductions that could be considered if initial cost-saving measures are not sufficient.

These items represent contingency options, not predetermined actions.

Together, these additional options total $6.69 million in potential savings.

Class Size Adjustments: Kindergarten Through Grade 12

Several options focus on modest increases in class size staffing ratios across all grade levels. Each proposal would increase average class size staffing by one student per classroom, generating savings through reduced staffing needs.

    • Current staffing ratio: 18 students per class

    • Proposed change: Increase by one student

    • Impact: More students in each early elementary classroom

    • Current staffing ratio: 22 students per class

    • Proposed change: Increase by one student

    • Impact: Larger class sizes in upper elementary and middle grades

    • Current staffing ratio: 25 students per class

    • Proposed change: Increase by one student

    • Impact: Increased class sizes at the high school level

Additional Optional Reduction Recommendations

  • This recommendation would reduce interventionist staffing in elementary and K-8 schools to pre-COVID levels of 0.5 units per school. During the pandemic, interventionist support expanded significantly, and while additional staffing has continued post-COVID, this option would scale support back further.

    Schools would retain the ability to fully fund these positions through internal budget conversions, but without those conversions, academic intervention services would be reduced.

  • This option would require furlough days for exempt, 12-month administrators:

    • District-based administrators: One furlough day every other month

    • School-based administrators: Two furlough days, one in June and one in July

    This approach would reduce salary costs but may impact leadership availability and operational support during critical summer planning periods.

  • If implemented, this reduction would eliminate all remaining district funding for arts and athletic programs, following prior reductions. Some programs could be scaled back significantly or eliminated entirely, potentially increasing participation costs for families and reducing extracurricular opportunities for students.

  • This option would eliminate all remaining district funding for community group initiatives. The reduction would likely decrease student participation in district-sponsored programs and partnerships that rely on community support.

  • Removing the seventh-period day would reduce elective offerings, limiting student choice and flexibility in scheduling. This change would most directly affect secondary students.

What Happens Next

These additional budget reduction options are intended to provide flexibility as the district works toward a balanced budget. If further reductions become necessary, the School Board will have the authority to select specific recommendations rather than adopting the entire list.

As budget discussions continue, input from educators, families, staff, and community partners will remain an important part of the decision-making process. District leaders have emphasized transparency and collaboration as they navigate these difficult financial decisions and work to minimize the impact on students and schools.