Bay County School Board Approves Leaner Tentative Budget For Advertising

BAY COUNTY, FL – On July 24, 2025, the Bay County School Board voted unanimously to approve a tentative $648 million budget for advertising, down from last year’s $669 million, as presented by Superintendent Jim Lloyd. The meeting focused on addressing a tight financial outlook, with a general fund reduction from $348 million to $344 million and an unappropriated fund balance dropping from $15.5 million to $13 million. The board highlighted ongoing efforts to cut costs while grappling with state funding uncertainties.

A key issue discussed was a state-mandated increase in the required local effort millage rate, rising from 3.063 to 3.089 mills, resulting in a 0.99% property tax increase over the rollback rate of 5.2845. This translates to a modest $5.20 annual increase for a $200,000 taxable property. The discretionary operational and capital improvement millage rates remain unchanged. The increase, driven by state requirements, aims to maintain operational funding despite a projected decline in student enrollment due to the growing home voucher program, which saw 70,356 more students statewide this year.

Budget cuts totaling over $3.1 million were detailed, including vacant positions like a facilities operations specialist, an athletic clerk, and three staff training specialists. Notably, the master teacher program was eliminated, with those educators reassigned to classrooms. The internal auditor position, previously approved at $161,000, was also cut. The teaching and learning division absorbed the largest reductions, approximately $2.5 million, as new initiatives were deferred due to lower-than-expected revenue projections.

Board members expressed frustration over a $2 million loss from last year’s fund balance, attributed to parents registering children in public schools while claiming voucher funds. Despite legislative discussions about universal student IDs to prevent such “double-dipping,” no reforms have been implemented, leaving districts vulnerable to funding clawbacks. Additional concerns included a $700,000 revenue shortfall revealed on July 25, 2025, due to overestimated tax rolls.

With zero revenue growth this year, compared to a 3.5% increase last year, the board faces challenges in funding raises, especially after spending $5 million more than revenue in 2024. Negotiations with the union underscored rising costs for employees, but limited state funding, including a modest $400,000 increase in Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, constrains options. The board will revisit the budget on July 31, August 26, and September 11, 2025, to finalize adjustments before adoption.

Watch meeting here: https://vimeo.com/1104215687