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What to know about the cuts in Hamilton County Schools’ proposed budget

Staff photo by Abby White / A sign stating “Fully fund our schools” rests on a column outside of the Hamilton County Courthouse. The Hamilton County Commission held their weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, where public school funding was an emphasized topic. . Staff photo by Abby White / A sign stating “Fully fund our schools” rests on a column outside of the Hamilton County Courthouse. The Hamilton County Commission held their weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, where public school funding was an emphasized topic. .

By Shannon Coan May 5, 2025 7 min read

As Hamilton County Schools faces an up to $18.5 million budget deficit, district officials have proposed a variety of potential cuts for next school year, which they have acknowledged will affect services and outcomes for families and students.

The school system attributes the budget shortfall to a combination of lower-than-expected local tax revenues and rising costs, particularly a $12.5 million increase in health care. Officials project that local sales and property tax revenues this year will come in at $6.6 million less than what it budgeted for, according to district data.

District leaders presented the Hamilton County school board with the second version of the system’s proposed budget Wednesday. At least two board members said they would not support it.