DALTON, Ga. — The Dalton Public Schools Board of Education met Monday, March 9, 2026, for its work session and regular meeting, where members reviewed district operations, discussed the first draft of the fiscal year 2027 budget, and approved several items related to transportation, school safety, and facility improvements.
Among the board’s action items, members approved the purchase of a 37-passenger school bus for $181,545. District leaders said the bus will be used for midday routes beginning next school year and is expected to help reduce transportation costs. The board also approved the purchase of a Ford F-150 for $61,845 to support district safety and security operations. District leaders noted that the vehicle will be funded through a one-time state safety grant designated for school security enhancements, allowing the district to strengthen safety operations without impacting local funds.
The board also approved several facility-related items. Members approved installation of a new wooden gym floor at Dalton Junior High and The Dalton Academy for $336,020. District staff said the current floor has been refinished multiple times and can no longer be resurfaced. The new floor is expected to be installed during the summer. The board also approved a change order for The Dalton Academy project that results in a credit to the district of $30,078.
For the Roan School project, the board approved change orders tied to updated scope needs, including work related to an electrical room addition and associated site and structural improvements. District leaders said the changes will be covered within the project’s existing guaranteed maximum price and will not increase the overall project budget. The board also approved a guaranteed maximum price of $390,214 for elevator work connected to the Fort Hill project. District staff noted that cost came in well below the district’s earlier estimate.
During the work session, district leaders presented the first draft of the FY27 general fund budget. The draft reflects a projected 1% increase in revenue and a 2% increase in expenditures. Officials said the district continues to face financial pressure from lower-than-expected property tax collections, declining student enrollment, and rising benefit costs, including increases in employer contributions for health insurance and teacher retirement. The board will review additional budget drafts in April, May, and June.
The board also received the February financial report. District leaders reported that property tax revenue remains below projections for the year, while E-SPLOST collections continue to perform above projections year to date. The district also reported continued capital spending on construction, technology, and facility improvement projects across the system.
In policy matters, the board held a first reading of proposed revisions to Board Policy IFCB related to field trips and off-campus instructional experiences. District leaders said the revisions are designed to clarify approval processes, safety expectations, supervision requirements, transportation procedures, and documentation for school-sponsored trips. The updates are intended to promote more consistent practices across the district and strengthen safeguards for students.
The board also reviewed an academic update on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS. Administrators reported that each school now has an active MTSS team focused on identifying student needs early and providing timely academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional support. District leaders described the work as a systems-based approach designed to strengthen support for students before challenges become more significant.
In other business, the board approved school times for the 2026-27 school year with no changes from the current schedule. Members also approved the consent agenda, including minutes, personnel items, student tuition, contracts, and surplus recommendations.
During the meeting, the board recognized March as School Board Appreciation Month and honored students and staff for recent academic, athletic, arts, and leadership achievements. Superintendent Steven Craft was also recognized as a Superintendent to Watch.
District leaders also shared several upcoming dates of interest for families and staff, including spring break, which will be observed April 3 through April 10, 2026. The next Dalton Public Schools Board of Education regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026.
