Annual Operating Budget

Preparing and adopting the annual operating budget is a complex and detailed process, involving multiple funding sources and numerous budget categories. The first stage of budget cycle begins in the early fall, with the final stage typically ending in May each school year.

Budget Process

YCSD takes a collaborative approach to developing the operating budget, involving school administrators, department administrators, community stakeholders, the chief financial officer, the superintendent and the School Board in the development process.

Stage One: Assessing Needs

Every school and department submit budget requests, identifying the priority level of each request. The superintendent engages the community's input through public forums and the Let's Talk-AskYCSD! Platform, to ensure thoughtful planning and informed decision-making throughout the process.

Stage Two: Alignment

Each request is evaluated to determine its alignment with the division's strategic plan priorities (Highly Effective Talent, Future Ready Graduates, Supportive Culture and Collective Commitment) and core values (Safety, Growth, Innovation, Integrity, and Engagement).

Stage Three: Budget Development

The superintendent, chief financial officer and members of the executive leadership team analyze data, including projected funding at the state and local level, to determine which priorities to include in the Superintendent's Proposed Operating Budget.

Stage Four: Budget Approval

The School Board reviews the superintendent's proposal and accepts community feedback through a public forum and a public hearing. The School Board then adopts a proposed budget which is sent to the county York County Board of Supervisors for consideration and allocation of funding.

Once the county budget is approved by the Board of Supervisors, the School Board adopts the final annual spending plan.

Superintendent's FY26 Proposed Budget Overview

$201,752,626, an increase of $8.4 million or 4.4%
$4.3 million increase in state funding (Governor's Proposed Budget)
$500,000 estimated increase in local funding
$313,000 in identified savings

Among the key highlights of the proposed budget:

Investment in Highly Effective Talent - Over 80% of the operating budget is allocated to compensation. The budget includes a proposed 4% salary increase for all licensed and non-licensed staff, ensuring the division remains competitive in attracting and retaining high-quality educators and employees.
Staffing Investments - The addition of 20 school-based positions to meet state and federal requirements, ensuring that students receive the necessary support for their academic and social development.
Supporting Students and Schools - Funding for textbooks, adaptive physical education resources, and increased support for Summer Academy, with additional investments to ensure middle school counseling directors have adequate time to assist students with course selection and master scheduling.

Next Steps

School Board Public Forum	January 27, 2025
School Board Public Hearing	February 24, 2025
School Board Adopts Proposed Budget	March 24, 2025
School Board Adopts Operating Budget	May 19, 2025

FY26 Budget Documents and Presentations

Superintendent's Proposed FY26 Operating Budget Presentation (2/10/2025 Work Session)
Superintendent's Proposed Budget for FY26
FY26 Budget Outlook Presentation (12/9/2024 Work Session)
Superintendent's Proposed Capital Improvements Program for FY2026-31