WJCC budget includes $26M for salaries, healthcare, and student programs

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Board convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss a significant budget increase for the upcoming school year, totaling nearly $26 million. This marks an increase of almost $1 million from the previous year, driven by a 3.5% salary hike for employees and a 15% rise in healthcare costs. The board highlighted that the increase in funding is also attributed to a growing student population across various educational programs, including special education and career and technical education.

A notable point of discussion was the financial commitment to New Horizons, which will see WJCC's payment rise by 17.6%, amounting to approximately $2.8 million. This increase is linked to the rising number of students enrolled in the three facilities managed by New Horizons, reflecting a broader trend of increasing student numbers in the district.

In addition to budgetary matters, the board approved a personnel report and discussed the participation of WJCC students in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) for the 2025-2026 school year. The membership fees for high school athletics were reviewed, with Jamestown High School's fee set at $4,003.50, Lafayette at $4,383, and Warhill at $4,124.50.

The meeting also covered the proposed federal program grant applications for Titles 1, 2, 3, and 4, aimed at enhancing educational resources and support for students, particularly those in need. Title 1 funding will focus on improving academic achievement in identified schools, while Title 2 will support the recruitment and training of qualified teachers. Title 3 will provide specialized instruction for students with limited English proficiency.

As the board moves forward, these discussions set the stage for a robust educational framework aimed at addressing the needs of a diverse student body and ensuring quality education across the district.