Poquoson board warned FY27 state and city funding uncertain; some CIP projects deferred

At the May 19 meeting, Poquoson City School District finance staff told the school board that the FY27 budget had been prepared using the governor’s proposed numbers but the Virginia General Assembly had not finalized the state budget, leaving final state and local revenues uncertain.

The finance presenter said the city’s proposed FY27 budget included additional funds for schools but had not yet been adopted; city council was scheduled to consider adoption the following day. The presenter reported the division was informed that FY27 CIP funding is not available and additional CIP funding is not anticipated until after FY29, a development that prompted the district to move some projects (including the elementary HVAC replacement and a bus purchase) from FY27 into FY28 planning.

The presenter summarized the five‑year capital improvement plan (FY28–FY32) in the packet, which shows project planning totals of $9,597,500 plus additional projects identified beyond FY32. He noted the plan includes contingency and inflation assumptions for planning (5% contingency; 3.5% construction inflation factor).

Board members pressed for cost comparisons and revenue data. One member asked why PA/intercom estimates varied (primary school listed near $54,000 while other buildings showed much larger totals); operations staff replied differences reflect building size, starting system condition and add‑ons required for coverage. A board member also asked whether a $500,000 concession‑building estimate could be justified by revenue; staff said they would return with revenue estimates and analysis.

The board was advised that no action was required that evening; the school board will be asked to approve the CIP plan on June 23, and contract authorizations for specific projects would return when vendor selections were complete.