Board adopts FY23 budget amendment shifting $100K to textbooks and $200K to CIP for schools; electric bus pilot noted

The Bedford County Board voted to adopt Resolution R072522-09 approving an amended fiscal year 2022–23 county and school budget that reallocates, but does not increase, the county's total transfer to schools. Finance director Ashley Anderson said the county's annual transfer—about $36.3 million—will be reallocated so $100,000 moves to a textbook fund for future adoptions and $200,000 is placed into the school capital improvement program to help address a projected reversion funding cliff in 2029.

"It is simply reallocating at the request of the schools," Anderson said, explaining the change does not alter the county's overall budget total but shifts how funds are designated.

School representatives explained much of the new state funding is tied to recurring pay increases and specific requirements. In response to a board question about how the $200,000 was chosen, county staff deferred to school personnel and budget staff who said fuel and other technical adjustments constrained available discretionary dollars this year.

Board members also questioned whether the textbook funding could be redirected to CIP; school staff explained that digital textbook licenses and renewal cycles require sustained textbook funding and that the district intends to phase textbook funding up over several years.

School staff reported that two electric buses have been ordered through grants and that charging stations will be installed at the bus garage to support a pilot program; grants covered the incremental cost difference between diesel and electric buses, and vendors will provide mechanic training. Staff said the buses should handle most local routes and that they will report on performance.

Following discussion, the board moved and unanimously approved Resolution R072522-09 to adopt the amended budgets by roll call. Staff said they will continue presenting financial updates to the board and track the reversion timeline through regular reporting.