The Richmond County School System Board of Education tentatively approved the fiscal year 2026 budget in a 5-3 vote on June 10, following a second public budget hearing.
A final budget adoption will be voted on on June 24.
A presentation of the budget was delivered at the second hearing, as it was during the first hearing on May 27. RCSS Chief Financial Officer Bobby Smith broke down the basics of the budget, including highlighting that an over 400 student enrollment decrease is raising the costs associated with retaining employees; Additionally, he reiterated that the district has decided to reduce its central office staffing budget by $1.3 million.
“We really try to work hard to prioritize school based staff and support,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb, in relation to central office staffing budget cuts.
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A breakdown of cuts and changes to central office staffing
One change to central office staffing was the creation of the deputy of school improvement and strategic Initiatives position.
“This role provides leadership and oversight for our assistant superintendents, chief academic officer, and the coordinator of strategic planning and school improvement,” read a statement from the office of the superintendent. “The primary focus is to improve student achievement and provide stronger, more cohesive support for schools across the district.”
The position of the assistant superintendent of supports was restructured to the role of chief academic Ooficer, also cutting the amount of pay the person in that role would receive.
“The role of assistant superintendent of support services was restructured into the chief academic officer (CAO) position, which did come with a pay reduction,” read the same statement. “The CAO remains a critical leadership role responsible for guiding our teaching and learning, federal programs, and accountability teams. This was part of a larger effort to streamline our leadership team and stay focused on our academic goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility. It was a result of our 2025-2030 strategic plan to increase student achievement.”
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Workforce development staff member roles were rearranged to cut extra costs. The district has made adjustments in its Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) department to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
The former CTAE director role became a new position, the director of high school programming and workforce development. Per the district’s statement: “This role brings together oversight of CTAE, school counseling, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). These teams are now working more closely to ensure that every student is prepared for employment, enrollment, or enlistment after high school, in line with our 2025–2030 strategic plan for talent development.”
The teacher induction department was consolidated into one role, a singular director of professional learning.
All of these changes were made in addition to cutting vacant roles throughout the central office to reduce costs.
