Community Meetings

Community budget planning meetings are interactive sessions where stakeholders provide input on what needs to be considered in the annual budget. These meetings work best when a variety of perspectives are shared across the district. Community budget planning meetings open the door for student, parent, and teacher voices to be heard. A summary of all input gathered during these community meetings is presented to the School Board in March prior to their vote on the budget in April.

The Hamilton County Schools operating budget is used to support students, staff, and school buildings. Approximately half of this budget comes from our local Hamilton County government, through property and sales tax revenue. The remaining amount comes almost entirely from the Tennessee Department of Education, though a small portion of this does come from other funding streams. The proposed operating budget is presented to the School Board. If approved, it will then be sent to the Hamilton County Commission.

Each year funds are allocated to improve facilities, add staff, and enhance learning opportunities for students and teachers.

What might be missing and what else should be considered? That is where you come in. The Hamilton County Schools community budget planning meeting is your opportunity to share your input on how district funds should be spent.

Students, parents, and teachers are often aware of what is needed to make their schools better, and we need to hear those concerns. Some concerns are greater than others so we need to know what needs to be prioritized. Your voice is important and matters for current and future Hamilton County Schools students.

The priorities reflect feedback gathered throughout the year from families, staff, students, and community partners. Input came from monthly pulse checks, targeted surveys, coffee chats with staff, and ongoing conversations across our schools and communities. In line with our values of collaboration, care, and stewardship, we’re committed to listening and ensuring community voices help guide budget planning.

Below are the identified community budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.