Superintendent presents FY27 "needs‑based" school budget, requests 3% raises and new positions

Goochland County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Armstrong presented the division's proposed FY27 operating budget to the Board of Supervisors, describing it as a needs‑based request intended to maintain small class sizes, expand career and technical education, and sustain instructional supports.

Key requests include a 3% across‑the‑board pay increase for all school employees (estimated administration cost about $1,140,000), two additional elementary teachers to preserve targeted class‑size ranges, two CTE teachers for an expanding academy, interventionists for targeted math and literacy support (with $100,000 of projected state At‑Risk funding to offset intervention costs), and investments to convert part‑time elementary music and art positions to full‑time. Dr. Armstrong said the division identifies about $2.5 million in additional funding needs after proposed county transfers and anticipated state aid.

The superintendent highlighted enrollment growth over the last three years and an updated enrollment projection and housing‑yield study that the division and county will use for facilities planning. He also noted changes in Virginia's accountability framework that temporarily lowered one elementary school's category due to subgroup performance; the division is pursuing corrective actions and a pending VDOE application.

Board members expressed appreciation for transparency in the budget presentation and for "peeling back the curtain" on staffing and FTE calculations. The board scheduled follow‑up budget discussions at a March 17 work session and the formal budget adoption process will continue in the months ahead.