Boards approve FY2027 budget calendar; supervisors and schools discuss state legislative priorities

At the joint session Miss Cronin presented a draft FY2027 budget calendar that preserves March and October dates for joint board meetings; the Board of Supervisors moved, seconded and approved the resolution by recorded assent and one absence was noted in the roll‑call exchange before the chair declared "Motion carries."

On school legislative priorities, Dr. Vladeu highlighted requests asking the state to fully fund resources required to implement any new SOL cut‑score standards, including reading specialists and other interventions; he also asked for continued support and expansion of dual‑enrollment opportunities and for dedicated capital funding streams (lottery/casino revenues) and direct state funding for high‑quality work‑based learning programs. Dr. Vladeu also flagged proposed changes to SOL administration windows and a suggested rule not to weight SOL tests as a very high share of final grades without further review.

On county priorities, Miss Steele reviewed a draft county legislative agenda and new items for consideration: adding revenue shortfall concerns to regional agendas, seeking funding for a gateway at the Coleman Bridge (including removal of the toll plaza), seeking attention and funding for persistent potholes at Gloucester Point Beach and the boat landing (with a clarification that maintenance responsibilities need to be accurately assigned to DWR where applicable), and supporting a feasibility study request for Hampton University property rehabilitation and reuse.

Votes at a glance: the FY2027 budget calendar resolution was approved; the transcript records affirmative responses from multiple supervisors and one absence before the chair declared the motion carried.

Next steps: the county will revise the draft county legislative priorities per member comments and plan to return for final adoption at the next meeting; school legislative priorities will be carried forward to VAS/VASB coordination and outreach to the General Assembly.