Caroline County budget proposal draws appeals for more school funding as supervisors propose 6-cent tax hike

County Administrator staff presented a proposed FY2027 county budget on May 26 that would raise the real-estate tax rate by six cents (from $0.52 to $0.58) and set a general fund proposal of about $81.3 million, with a total funds figure (less transfers) of roughly $190.4 million. The budget includes pay-plan adjustments, several new staff positions, and proposed local transfers to public schools of about $19.97 million in operating funds (total transfers to schools of approximately $20.69 million). (Mr. Cully)

At a lengthy public hearing following the presentation, the majority of speakers urged the board to preserve and expand school funding tied to literacy, behavioral support and capacity. “I ask you to fully support funding for Caroline County Public Schools, particularly the funding necessary to preserve and strengthen literacy positions and literacy initiatives across our division,” said Kim Hazlip, a K–12 English language arts instructional specialist who described state-mandated literacy requirements and the central role of reading specialists. (Kim Hazlip, K–12 English language arts instructional specialist)

School staff and parents detailed overcrowding at elementary schools and asked the board to authorize temporary classrooms for FY2026–27 while pursuing permanent construction. “We have 135 kindergarteners registered…and we need seats for our students,” said Cindy Brown, principal at Lewis and Clark, describing congested hallways, cafeterias and a car-rider line that regularly extends onto Lady Smith Road. Brown and others urged the board to fund trailers and a clear multi-year building plan. (Cindy Brown, principal)

Educators also highlighted gains from recent literacy investments and warned that cuts would jeopardize progress. “These gains did not happen by chance,” said Amara Perkins, a literacy support specialist; she described large improvements on state literacy screens where investments in early reading specialists produced rapid growth. Several speakers asked the board to preserve proposed reading-specialist hires in the FY2027 request and to fund behavioral and attendance supports. (Amara Perkins)

Board members pressed staff about contingency plans if the Virginia state budget is delayed past July 1, when state education aid is typically disbursed. County staff advised that the board could adopt a level-funded school budget to ensure operations while waiting for state numbers and that local appropriations could temporarily cover schools until state reimbursements arrive. (Mr. Cully)

The meeting record shows the board accepted the budget presentation and closed the public hearing; no final budget adoption occurred at the May 26 session. Supervisors said they would target a June 9 adoption of the county budget and wait for the state budget before finalizing school appropriations. (County staff)

Next steps: The board will consider adoption in June; educators asked for a clear timetable for temporary classroom authorization, follow-up reporting on grant-spending, and a joint meeting with the school board to align capital and operational plans.