Lexington Day School seeks tax exemption for expanded student services

The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss significant tax exemption requests from local educational institutions. The meeting highlighted the Virginia Institute of Autism's Lexington Day School, which is seeking tax exemptions to support its expansion efforts.

Megan Harding, the director of the school, addressed the board, explaining that the institution recently purchased a new building and aims to increase its student capacity from 11 to between 24 and 30 students. This growth is crucial for the school to better serve the community and meet the rising demand for its services.

Despite the school's aspirations, the board voted to deny the tax exemption request for personal property and real estate. The decision was made after a brief discussion, with all members voting in favor of the denial. The board also reviewed a separate request for tax exemption related to the school's property, which was purchased for $1 million, with an assessed value of $819,800 and an annual tax amount of $5,246.72.

The meeting concluded without public input, as no attendees or online participants raised hands to speak on the matter. The board's decisions reflect ongoing challenges faced by local educational institutions in securing financial support for expansion and service enhancement. The implications of these decisions will likely resonate within the community as the school continues to navigate its growth objectives.