Finance Committee discusses $5.5M budget request for Lynchburg City Schools

The Lynchburg City School Board convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss pressing budgetary concerns and the future trajectory of the school system. The meeting highlighted significant financial challenges, particularly in relation to state funding and the impact of recent legislative decisions.

A key topic of discussion was the school division's budget request of $5.5 million from the city, which has only seen a proposed allocation of $2.71 million—approximately 50% of what was requested. This shortfall raises concerns about the district's ability to meet its operational needs. Dr. Copeland and Mr. Connors emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the governor's recent budget amendments could further complicate funding. The governor's line-item vetoes included reductions to support staff positions, which could result in a loss of approximately $1 million for Lynchburg City Schools, equating to about 17 positions. This reduction poses a significant threat to the district's financial stability and its ability to support hourly wage employees.

The board urged community members to contact their state delegates and senators to advocate for the restoration of funding caps, which are crucial for maintaining adequate staffing levels. The upcoming city council budget hearings on April 22 will provide an opportunity for school representatives to voice the importance of fully funding the school division's needs.

In addition to budget discussions, the meeting included updates from the Joint City School Board Committee. Dr. Day reported on the committee's efforts to compile recommendations for future initiatives, with a focus on prioritizing student needs. The committee is set to meet again on April 3 to finalize its recommendations, which will be presented to both the school board and city council during a joint meeting on April 29.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical financial challenges facing Lynchburg City Schools and the need for community engagement in advocating for necessary funding. As the school board prepares for upcoming discussions with city officials, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the needs of students are at the forefront of all decisions.