DALTON, Ga. — The Dalton Public Schools Board of Education met Monday, April 13, 2026, for its monthly work session and regular meeting, where members reviewed the second draft of the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget, received updates on district construction projects, recognized student and staff achievements, and approved several financial, capital and policy items.
During the work session, Theresa Perry, Chief Financial Officer, presented the second draft of the FY27 general fund budget. The draft continues to show the use of approximately $5.3 million of the district’s $14.8 million fund balance to support operating expenditures not fully covered by state and local revenue sources. Overall, projected revenues reflect an increase of less than 0.5%, while projected expenditures reflect an overall increase of 1%.
Perry said one of the primary cost drivers in the proposed budget remains the employer contribution to the State Health Benefit Plan. For FY27, that contribution is now projected to increase by 2%, or approximately $435,000, bringing the employer cost to $23,220 per participating employee. Perry noted that while this is lower than the initial projection of $24,336, additional increases are expected in future years. The district also anticipates approximately $300,000 in state funding to offset part of the increased health insurance cost for certified employees.
The second budget draft also reflects staffing adjustments tied to enrollment and student needs. The proposed FY27 budget includes a net reduction of 12.5 positions. At the same time, the district is proposing additional positions to support students and programs, including 7.5 Exceptional Student Services positions, one bus driver and two bus monitors. The draft budget also includes a proposed 1% adjustment to employee salary scales. Perry said the adjustment would place the starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree at just above $50,000 annually, while support staff scales would also increase to remain more competitive with the regional labor market.
Perry also reported that enrollment continues to affect the district’s financial outlook. Dalton Public Schools enrolled 8,148 students in fiscal year 2017, compared to 7,352 students in October 2025. The district’s current year enrollment reflects a 3% decline from the previous school year. Perry also noted that the budget includes reductions in materials, equipment and supplies across schools and central office departments, along with increased costs for school resource officers, custodial services and maintenance.
During the budget discussion, Perry presented an overview of property tax and state funding trends. Perry said the proposed budget accounts for minor tax digest growth, but also includes the financial impact of increased homestead exemptions, including the newly approved floating homestead exemption and an increase in the senior homestead exemption from $250,000 to $325,000 in exempt value. The property tax revenue line reflects a projected reduction of $2.5 million based on the current millage rate and a 98% collection rate. State funding for Dalton Public Schools could increase by $2.8 million overall, largely because of equalization funding, although some of that increase is expected to be offset by a projected $1 million reduction in enrollment-based formula funding.
The board also received a construction projects overview during the work session. Rusty Lount, Director of Operations, reported continued progress at The Dalton Academy, where roofing and interior work are moving forward. At Roan School, renovations remain on schedule, and board members discussed older mobile classrooms at the site and options for their removal. At Fort Hill, construction continues in multiple building areas, including flooring, carpentry, gym access improvements and elevator-related work.
During the regular meeting, the board recognized numerous students, staff members, advisory council participants and community partners for outstanding achievement and service. Honorees included 2025 convocation sponsors, members of the teacher, parent and student advisory councils, Dalton Project Achievement 4-H students, TDA 19 Under 19 honoree Esmeralda Rios, the Dalton High School girls basketball team, the first Dalton Academy wrestlers to qualify for state sectional competition, literary and performing arts honorees from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy, state technology competition winners, Creative Arts Guild student winners and community supporters of the Westwood playground project.
Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft shared several upcoming district dates during the regular meeting, including the Cyber Academy Open House on April 14, the elementary track meet on April 15, the grade-level baseball social on April 17, Special Olympics Track and Field on April 24, the next board meeting on May 11, and graduation ceremonies for The Dalton Academy and Dalton High School in May.
The board also received an academic update focused on early childhood programs. Sarah Laruy shared information about Little Cats Preschool, Summer Transition and Georgia Pre-K, highlighting the district’s efforts to support students and families before kindergarten entry. Laruy reported that the Little Cats program now serves 60 families and continues to maintain a waiting list. She also shared student growth data showing strong gains in early literacy and numeracy, and noted that other school districts have visited Dalton Public Schools to learn more about the program.
In board action, members approved the March financial report. Chief Financial Officer, Theresa Perry, reported that the district received $795,000 in property tax revenue in March, with year-to-date collections totaling 91% of the amended budget. Officials said property tax revenue remains $2.7 million below expectations due to delayed tax bills. The district also received $1.4 million from the state in March to administer a one-time pay supplement for regular employees. March ESPLOST collections totaled $790,000, which was 1% below adjusted monthly projections and 3% lower than March 2025, marking the second consecutive month of lower year-over-year collections.
The board also approved certification related to the completed Dalton High School dishwasher project, allowing the district to apply for final state capital funding reimbursement. Once reimbursement is received, the district will have secured a total of $23,824 in state funding for the project.
In another capital action item, the board approved a $400,000 ESPLOST VI capital budget amendment for the Fort Hill elevator project. District leaders said the amendment will fund the elevator portion of the project and provide contingency for related costs.
Board members also heard the second reading of Board Policy IFCB related to field trips. District leaders said the revisions clarify definitions, procedures and expectations for school-sponsored trips and align board policy more closely with administrative procedures.
The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, the April personnel report, bids and contracts of $50,000 or higher, and surplus items. Approved technology-related items included the FY27 Teacher Device Refresh, FY27 Network Licensing, FY27 WAN and Internet services, and the FY27 Networking Hardware Refresh. The board also approved the surplus of eight older mobile classrooms from the Roan Street project, along with technology surplus items.
The meeting concluded with board member comments recognizing the district’s many student accomplishments, thanking employees for their continued work, and expressing appreciation as the school year moves into its final weeks.
The next Dalton Public Schools Board of Education regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026.
