Goochland superintendent presents balanced proposed budget, flags $880,897 in unfunded priorities

Superintendent Dr. Kumar presented a proposed balanced operating budget to the Goochland County Public Schools School Board at the board meeting, saying projected increases in revenue and a series of planned reductions leave the division with a balanced proposal while several priorities remain unfunded.

Dr. Kumar said the budget relies on a county transfer projected at a little over $31,000,000, which he said will represent about 71% of the division’s operating budget, and on a total projected revenue increase of $892,981 (about 2% year over year). "I present to you a balanced budget where our total revenue matches our total projected investments," Dr. Kumar said.

The superintendent outlined investments tied to the district’s strategic goals and the offsets used to balance the plan. Major investment categories he cited included curriculum and instruction ($95,424), inclusive and engaging culture (about $713,534, which includes a 3% cost‑of‑living increase for staff that he put at roughly $995,839 when accounting for grant‑funded employees), and facilities, resources and technology ($746,581). To reach balance, the…