LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco County School Board has approved a tentative budget of $2,338,437,781 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, an increase of $53,462,164 over last year.
Superintendent John Legg reiterated to the school board July 29 that the general operating fund has grown from $1,099,842,895 in 2024-25 to $1,138,694,212 in 2025-26 despite a $3.6 million reduction in state funding due to a decline in student enrollment by 638 students.
Legg said $92 million in the budget is set aside for charter schools and $71 million for Florida Empowerment Scholarships (for area private schools). The budget also includes $66,726,372 in categoricals and set asides.
Other drivers include increases in health insurance and retirement rates, utilities, student resource officer contracts and the opening of Skybrooke K-8.
The proposed capital projects fund is $671,563,602, an increase of $12,172,213 over the 2024-25 budget.
Legg said major capital projects include construction at Gulf Middle, West Zephyrhills Elementary and the Kirkland Ranch K-8 gym; renovations at Cypress Elementary and Pasco High; and roof construction, HVAC system replacements and infrastructure upgrades at various schools.
“The 2025-26 budget also reflects fiscal priorities which support student achievement,” Legg said. “Additionally, it’s designed to ensure the smooth delivery of effective school operations by prioritizing the needs of our students and the community.”
The budget includes a millage rate of 6.274 mills, a decrease of 0.057 from the previous year. District leaders say they have limited flexibility in setting millage and point to the state legislature.
Legg said the owner of a $350,000 home, after the $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,039 in taxes, an $18.53 decrease from last year.
Legg described the budget as a living document that continuously changes over the course of the year. Budget amendments are submitted to the board to reflect changes.
“We will continue to prioritize and make the best decisions we can for our students, teachers and staff with the funding that we have,” said Colleen Beaudoin, District 2 representative on the school board. “I am always reminded that the budget is fluid and that I remain committed to prioritizing our students.”
Beaudoin thanked Pasco County voters for passing the Salary Referendum in 2022.
“Without this funding, it would be increasingly difficult to compete for the best teachers for our students,” she said. “That’s crucial for student success. Our community recognizes the importance and the value of public education.”
Megan Harding, District 5 rep on the school board, said she is also dedicated to ensuring the budget puts kids first.
The school board set a final public hearing for the budget at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.
