Superintendent reports cautious optimism on state budget; board accepts $36,568.66 emergency elementary hot-water repair and a VDOE training grant

Dr. Sykes told the Middlesex County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6 that the school division is “cautiously optimistic” about the governor’s proposed budget, which includes a 2% salary increase for SOQ-funded positions. She said enrollment is down overall, with kindergarten enrollment approximately 20–25 students lower than projected, which could affect state aid calculations tied to average daily membership.

School staff explained they removed an HVAC replacement for the high-school cafeteria from the FY26 capital improvement plan after vendor pricing came in significantly higher than expected; the $80,000 originally set aside for that project will remain with the county. During winter break, a hot-water tank at an elementary school failed and an emergency replacement cost $36,568.66. Dr. Sykes said the district procured the work using the lowest bid, installed the tank over the Christmas break and will include the HVAC project in the FY27 CIP.

The board also approved a budget supplement to accept a Virginia Department of Education grant for restraint and seclusion training for administrators and special-education teachers. The motion to accept the grant passed by roll call.

Board members asked how the state budget outcomes could affect the division’s local budget submission; staff noted that the General Assembly’s session ends in mid-March, and the division must submit budget requests prior to April 1. The board voted to accept the VDOE grant and acknowledged the emergency procurement for the hot-water tank.