[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6310303,"mediaKeyId","2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38","parentId",2403396,"title","Superintendent presents FY 2026 needs-based budget; public expresses concern about federal funding and special education","audioSeconds",426,"startMs",4804000,"endMs",5230000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38&start=4804&end=5230","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38/thumbnail_4804000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6310303/Virginia/Superintendent-presents-FY-2026-needs-based-budget-public-expresses-concern-about-federal-funding-and-special-education","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310303-c3902a505479a6d1d499a7bce0f11889/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066113&Signature=FY6V7q91XzIjIb0pF9UmHRL01eWeY31sWzuVPlscpyatoqGY1LexYmFlhbVC0cVSUCpE3kZbMRUySDwFmSueCT3NDVfEixSfjUmjuVBaq1cT4TJg9tkFtYqyPAqfUI9hybjtHtKhdX2xyV55Cmh4rVHn-vPcenGfU6YXVFjGfOn6qc5y5cbmM15N7oX8jsAGM2swJkTLDxOtQw6QFg4nKQDP1u0c1IGD-X9U5fmwgx2RfiYnO1qnxHAD6A739mXslOcnXTCGvriLIGds-Q1yCAxxR3TdwyECIYDHKW08AtjqSvFUMsCMjFoxuzgYPskw6TrYhZUbe~-xrhUAZ6nVkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","York Co Public School","date","2025-02-26T20:41:59.043Z","article","Superintendent Christopher Shander presented a needs-based FY 2026 operating budget to the York County School Board on Feb. 24 and said the division faces a budget gap of just over $3.1 million. The presentation and the public hearing that followed drew several speakers who urged local and state advocacy to protect federal education funding the division receives for special education, Title programs and Impact Aid.

\"My total proposed budget is $827,752,000,\" Shander told the board during opening remarks on the budget. He said the district has a budget gap of \"just over 3,100,000\" and outlined revenue changes from state, county and federal sources.

At the public hearing, residents warned that a federal pause in Department of Education activity or a broader dismantling could threaten programs that support special education, early childhood services and free and reduced-price meals. Carrie Chee, a District 4 resident, cited state and federal special education funding levels and asked the board to push for advocacy at the state level. \"Special education is not optional,\" Chee said, adding that securing IEPs and 504 plans is a thorough, evidence-based process and that the funding behind those services is at stake.

Board staff also briefed members on the district’s reliance on federal funds and competitive grants. Shander listed major federal streams that support YCSD operations, saying the district receives more than $21 million in federal dollars across Title programs, Impact Aid, Department of Defense funds and several competitive grants. He said competitive grants total about $6.1 million; Impact Aid is approximately $8.7 million and DOD-related funding about $1.2 million. \"We receive federal dollars from Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA (Title 6b), Carl Perkins and other competitive grants,\" he said.

Legal and operational staff also addressed a related concern raised in public comments about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits to schools. Dr. Carroll told the board the district had sought legal guidance from counsel and state associations and had discussed protocols with local law enforcement. \"There has to be a warrant that is signed, either judicial or administrative,\" Carroll said, adding that principals were instructed to follow existing policy (JED) and to direct law-enforcement information requests to legal counsel.

Budget documents presented to the board included detailed January financials: instructional-related payments, technology and operations expenditures, and school nutrition reports. The board approved routine financial matters during the meeting (see separate votes summary). During discussion, staff explained that a higher month-to-month food-service expenditure is in part the planned drawdown of an approximately $4 million fund balance generated during COVID-era federal meal reimbursements.

Ending: Board members and the superintendent said they will continue to monitor federal activity and grant status and to report back as needed while finalizing the FY 2026 budget. The public hearing record will be part of the board’s budget deliberations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting - February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Christopher Shander presented a needs-based FY 2026 operating budget to the York County School Board on Feb. 24 and said the division faces a budget gap of just over $3.1 million.","taxTitle","YORK CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14524,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6310306,"Parents, players urge York County School Board to make lacrosse a VHSL varsity sport",838,2860000,3698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38&start=2860&end=3698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38/thumbnail_2860000.jpg","/articles/6310306/Virginia/Parents-players-urge-York-County-School-Board-to-make-lacrosse-a-VHSL-varsity-sport","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310306-d120cb3daeabda75d19efbfe23dd0dda/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066113&Signature=k9vpXYnoaYknDf6T3UyjDi7OE7DayPIIdQS32gYvPmzUM88q4xdlXpcd3mwxtUYCflX1MgitbffljKgm6bjb4EFR-Bc3F3GRIzo2JTIQGmfuwvpAjo~LQExO2w~fpfKjS~85BaQ8z~I~kLv1biP~pM3QSk6Prp-4PCrWyyFvJAAOdCy49enprbeLCkeH~50hDmDkZyKnRwvonNk7VNtKWLS~VEv0pmrs6YljARWC8ZjGQ0NWmSVd~wyT-On-9WTk7y~CKCNGxTaRiQgTrioKqJL2PCpBo6YNe1~LC-xo2M8AQVDMqUH5VkmM9dGfjohGvRbu1ZMZ97T8QyHmNpptCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of students, coaches and parents urged the York County School Board on Feb. 24 to add boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as VHSL-sanctioned varsity sports, saying long-running club programs have grown in participation, impose significant out-of-pocket costs on families and deny athletes access to school facilities and official recognitions.

Supporters told the board the sport already draws consistent interest across Tabb, Grafton and York high schools and that local clubs are prepared to help with startup costs. They asked the board to include lacrosse in the FY 2026 budget or identify a timeline for conversion to varsity status.

Mark Forrest, a parent from District 5 who said he led a funding proposal to the division in October 2024, said the clubs offered to offset startup costs. \"Our most written proposal was put forward to YCSD administration October of 2024. This proposal included monetary and equipment contributions totaling approximately $60,000 to a team start up and offset costs to the school system,\" Forrest said. He added that the three high schools would have \"approximately 150 students combined playing boys and girls club lacrosse\" this spring.

Student and coach speakers described financial and competitive disadvantages of club status. Jillian Rice, a senior and captain of the Tabb girls’ lacrosse team, said club status forces players to pay league and USA Lacrosse fees and prevents athletes from receiving district and state honors. \"Playing a sport for your high school should not cost this much money,\" Rice said, noting a Hampton Roads Lacrosse League registration fee of about $225 per player and additional club fees.

John Anderson, who identified himself as the York girls head coach, told the board that clubs are ready to provide uniforms, equipment and startup funds and that local and regional VHSL opponents exist. \"Clubs will contribute significant start up funds, equipment, and uniforms to help defray the costs associated with the new sport,\" Anderson said.

Speakers said club status also limits access to school resources such as athletic trainers, weight rooms and indoor practice facilities, and makes players ineligible for honors including all-district, all-region and all-state recognition. Multiple speakers said the lack of VHSL status can also reduce college recruiting exposure and scholarship opportunities.

Board members acknowledged the comments and said they will consider the requests alongside budget constraints. Superintendent Christopher Shander (identified in the meeting transcript as Dr. Shander) presented a needs-based FY 2026 budget with a gap the district must close, and several board members noted budget timing will influence the ability to add new varsity programs.

Voices at the meeting urged a near-term path to varsity recognition. \"Transitioning lacrosse to VHSL status would also have benefits in terms of accessibility and inclusivity as it would help reduce the cost barriers that often limit involvement,\" Rice said. Parents and former coaches who spoke asked the board to prioritize options that would remove the current financial barriers to participation.

The board did not take a vote on lacrosse at the meeting; the comments were part of the public comment period and budget hearing.

Ending: The division’s administration and school board will consider the speakers’ requests during budget discussions and future work sessions. Supporters asked the board to include lacrosse funding in the FY 2026 budget or to provide a timeline for adding varsity status so clubs and families can plan.","Students, coaches and parents told the York County School Board on Feb. 24 that lacrosse has been a sustained club activity for 18 years and urged the board to add boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as Virginia High School League (VHSL) varsity programs, citing participation growth, equity and scholarship opportunities.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6310294,"Board approves January financial matters, consent calendar and policy revisions; all votes unanimous",166,6930000,7096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38&start=6930&end=7096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38/thumbnail_6930000.jpg","/articles/6310294/Virginia/Board-approves-January-financial-matters-consent-calendar-and-policy-revisions-all-votes-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310294-a0e23c340ecffaf31303e5e5610001d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066113&Signature=YocBMixsoKb0AG0qTK9qjj04Rtol97Jq9JNosscofm2Y67b~xL76MsiEOod5~TqnCFTEgSMXi1P7LDUTIInEz-xxuB4d6kTEGwX~Wt~k7OqVlevOknhP2O9a4odT5uaNvo4xn7wBKl3Kr5RsANPtfhrNPgbHrIt7YXd~2z0yUq~iuUYF1dtQ5SAWGDwVRviZlJs3vv2D4XtzdHVvvjEhXJcJpkXC9K1jckw5Hvclh-jo82YUnTKUC1Fh3bJ~aJ3mjD8dxNfwuUkbNiAjQV9bJ-bbVIUJ6fh96wMGrBwOnvXc8eeLN2ojtYTjxn0ob7XwzISxrqLkuSf6h33ZjySIIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The York County School Board unanimously approved three routine actions on Feb. 24: certification of financial claims for January 2025, the consent calendar and revisions to Policy K (School Community Relations).

The board approved financial matters after staff outlined significant January payments and revenue changes. Board member Mr. Pajevich moved to approve financial matters; Mr. Richardson seconded. The motion passed 5–0. Finance staff noted the district is drawing down a roughly $4 million school nutrition fund balance that was built during COVID-era reimbursements, which explains higher month-to-month food-service expenditures.

The consent calendar — which included personnel actions, approval of minutes from several January and February meetings, donations totaling $11,876, and approval of a York High School NJROTC overnight field trip to a national orienteering championship — was moved by Mr. Pajevich and seconded by Mr. Schafer; it passed 5–0 after a minutes correction (a 2024 date changed to 2025).

Revisions to Policy K, School Community Relations, were carried on a motion by Mr. Pajevich and seconded by Mr. Schafer and passed 5–0. The policy discussion included clarification about public comment time limits and permissible brief applause; staff noted the board had retained a semantically correct wording on one item after review.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve financial matters (claims certified for payment, January 2025). Mover: Mr. Pajevich. Second: Mr. Richardson. Outcome: approved 5–0. Yes votes recorded: Mr. Richardson, Mr. Schafer, Mrs. Fairman, Mr. Pajevich, Mrs. Goodwin.
- Approve consent calendar (personnel actions; minutes; donations $11,876; NJROTC trip). Mover: Mr. Pajevich. Second: Mr. Schafer. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve revisions to Policy K, School Community Relations. Mover: Mr. Pajevich. Second: Mr. Schafer. Outcome: approved 5–0.

Ending: The board moved from these routine items into policy readings and the superintendent’s report.","The York County School Board on Feb. 24 approved financial claims and reports for January 2025, adopted the consent calendar and approved revisions to Policy K (School Community Relations). Each motion passed by unanimous 5–0 votes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6310299,"Grafton Middle students showcase music-technology course as enrollment doubles in year two",573,1824000,2397000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38&start=1824&end=2397","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2403396-406d268d0ebb14979d5d65767ef1ef38/thumbnail_1824000.jpg","/articles/6310299/Virginia/Grafton-Middle-students-showcase-music-technology-course-as-enrollment-doubles-in-year-two","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310299-885975b25d9296930e4243dca861d27a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066113&Signature=iCCEU1QRijl3hV5EGfq1aE~bMKm9lNhFIg0B-SRPlHQ-v43Z3PXF4QTzMxvkmqTOY5t0awpJZjIuHPpMZ5Akdzf3hMYN2Uk06FUcxa2klCSEu3W15bcWG9fTjU8R~Xy1oTuykF3i8zrmwXbnHbbucOIgSw27hmIX0oelX1FAwTqmxoV~98knbik-U~bGKagLc02krIvoqu8vnaYhJWScfkeQD5CRUm0079fmCPWisMIE4Q4afwGxbHbswq09ouhNZHFpwSd2UdnoDkHK69m7K2WwZqLzOzDhIgTXdNHDUUlccUmh4FfhiANT4c7Sw8eFvQ8z-qhtoE-8BdSH3ktGJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grafton Middle School students and their teacher showcased a one-semester music technology course Feb. 24, demonstrating projects created using Soundtrap and describing how class work combines music composition, production and industry-related skills.

The course, now in its second year, covers songwriting, arranging, tracking and mixing, and presents students with collaborative projects and industry-standard software. Students said the class doubled enrollment in its second year and is preparing the division for a potential second-level course and collaborations with Grafton High School and other programs.

\"The music technology course is a 1 semester class that covers several aspects within the arts AV technology and communications career cluster and is meticulously designed to align with the key competencies required for future ready graduates,\" music technology teacher Eric Musselwhite said. He described growing enrollment and student engagement in the course’s second year.

Students demonstrated course tools and projects. Ariel Brown explained the digital workstation used in class: \"Soundtrap is just like a recording studio where we can record, mix, and create sounds, music loops, and even entire songs.\" James Hooper and Noah Jung described producing original songs and sound collages; Scarlett Winkels told the board she had learned technical vocabulary and production techniques and encouraged peers to take the course.

The presentation included examples of student projects, mention of an electronic press kit (EPK) assignment and plans for expanded offerings, including a future Music Technology 2 course and collaboration with the high school choir and a district podcast project.

Ending: Teachers and students said they will continue to refine the curriculum and pursue cross-school collaborations; the board received the presentation during the evening’s \"Accent on Academics\" segment and invited questions from members of the public and board.

","Grafton Middle School students and teacher presented the district’s music technology course to the school board, demonstrating projects made with Soundtrap and describing a one-semester curriculum that doubled enrollment in its second year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent presents FY 2026 needs-based budget; public expresses concern about federal funding and special education

Parents, players urge York County School Board to make lacrosse a VHSL varsity sport

Board approves January financial matters, consent calendar and policy revisions; all votes unanimous

Grafton Middle students showcase music-technology course as enrollment doubles in year two