School officials preview FY26 budget outlook as teachers and principals are honored

District administrators gave an FY26 budget update, outlined likely state funding and asked the board to prepare for local budget conversations.

An administration presenter said the governor's budget tool currently shows "about approximately $700,000 in additional state funding" for the division and a proposed 3% increase for SOQ-funded staff, noting the state portion would not fully cover the local cost of a 3% raise. The presenter said roughly $500,000 of the projected amount would apply toward that purpose, leaving a shortfall the board may need to request the county to cover. The presenter described the budget timeline: administrators expect more clarity after crossover and plan for county adoption of the budget later in May, with potential adjustments in late February.

Board members pressed on how a state-proposed raise is implemented, including proration and how Standards of Quality (SOQ)-funded positions affect funding eligibility. The administration said divisions must confirm how state tools allocate SOL funding and discussed average daily membership (ADM) assumptions that also affect revenues. The administration also noted plans for mini sessions in schools to collect staff feedback on retention and will bring more detailed salary comparisons and proposals to future meetings.

Before the budget discussion, the superintendent and board recognized Virginia School Principal Appreciation Week and presented teachers of the year for each building. The transcript lists principals and teachers recognized by name, including Teresa O'Dea, Tammy Pujera, Chris Tober, Frank Wheeler and Allison Strickland (principals) and Sally Cochran (New Kent Elementary), Kelsey Schnell (George Watkins Elementary), Lauren Laws (Quintin/Quentin Elementary), Rachel Feeney (New Kent Middle School) and Leanne Jordan (New Kent High School and division teacher of the year).

The board did not take budget votes at this meeting; administrators indicated follow-up during the work session and in subsequent budget forums and meetings with county staff.