Shenandoah County School Board discusses $6.4M surplus allocation for construction projects

The Shenandoah County School Board convened a special meeting on May 27 to discuss the allocation of a $6.4 million surplus for future construction projects. With five members present, the board aimed to finalize a plan for utilizing these funds, which had accumulated due to various factors, including unfilled teaching positions.

During the meeting, the board reviewed several options for the surplus, which included a mix of major construction projects and one-time capital improvements. However, previous discussions had not resulted in a majority decision, prompting the need for this special call meeting. The board had previously agreed to reconvene before the end of May to establish a unified position.

Superintendent Dr. Shepherd reported on a recent meeting with the Board of Supervisors, where it was indicated that they would support funding between $3.9 million and $4.1 million for one-time capital projects. This funding would cover essential improvements, including the addition of modular units at Sandy Hook Elementary School and enhancements to the transportation facility. However, the Board of Supervisors expressed concerns about maintaining their required fund balance, which limited their ability to allocate the entire surplus.

Looking ahead, both boards plan to establish a joint committee to develop a long-term capital improvement plan. This committee will consist of two members from each board, along with administrative support, to ensure collaboration on future projects. The goal is to address urgent needs while also planning for larger, long-term infrastructure projects.

The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between the school board and the Board of Supervisors, as they work together to meet the educational and infrastructural needs of the community. The next steps will involve formal votes in June and ongoing discussions to align their priorities for the benefit of Shenandoah County residents.