The Dougherty County School System closed out the 2018 fiscal year books with a surplus of approximately $3.6 million, Superintendent Kenneth Dyer announced to the board Wednesday. The surplus comes as the district continues to use fiscally sound business practices and to maximize organizational efficiencies.

“Thanks to the leadership of our Board of Education, along with the hard work of our finance department, we are continuing to provide excellent stewardship of taxpayer dollars while growing investments aimed at improving student achievement.” Dyer said. “By making difficult but necessary decisions in the past, the Board has positioned the DCSS to redirect funds into high-priority, high impact areas. Over the next several months, we’ll evaluate how best to reinvest those funds to continue providing our students with academically enriching experiences that will best prepare them for opportunities that await them in the future.”

The news comes as the district has seen graduation rates at all three high schools eclipse the state average, the number of high school students taking college courses increase and the district roll-out a new comprehensive shift in tier 1 instruction and teacher supports.

Despite rising operational costs and a declining tax base, the district has increased its General Fund reserves to over $17 million and has avoided a millage rate increase for taxpayers.  In fact, the Dougherty County Board of Education previously voted to roll back the millage rate for property owners in Dougherty County for FY2019.

Meanwhile, the district has invested millions of dollars in network improvements, classroom technology, including the one-to-one initiative, and approximately $50 million in school renovations and improvements over the last several years. Last year, thanks to Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia General Assembly fully funding the state’s education formula for the first time since 2002, the district was able to boost teacher pay and increase investments aimed at creating new student opportunities.
The funds will be reinvested into the district to support student programs, classroom instruction, employee support and other items integral to improving student outcomes.