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Poquoson School Board unanimously approves superintendent's FY 2026 budget proposal
Summary
The school board voted 6-0 to adopt the superintendent's FY 2026 proposed budget after staff described anticipated state revenues, a compensation study, and contingencies that could reduce the district's city funding request.
The Poquoson City Public Schools School Board voted 6-0 on March 18 to approve the superintendent's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, a package that relies on a pending state budget, a compensation study, and targeted operational changes.
The approved proposal incorporates recommendations from a Management Advisory Group compensation study and includes a governor-proposed 3% salary increase. CFO Tracy Spence told the board the district's comp-study adjustments and other compensation-related increases produce a projected net personnel cost of roughly $2.1 million; other items in the package include dual-enrollment fees, Canvas software, AP testing, and special-education services.
Spence said the governor's conference report and actions by the General Assembly increased projected state revenue that could reduce the district's local funding request. "If the three pieces line up," she told the board, meaning the additional state revenue is finalized, insurance-cost growth lands lower than earlier estimates, and the General Assembly allocations are signed, the district's ask to the city could drop from about $1.49 million to roughly $847,000.
Why it matters: The budget funds teacher pay adjustments recommended by the compensation study, targeted recruitment and retention measures (including pay increases for bus drivers and adjustments to minimum runs), and operational priorities the district says are necessary to maintain services and support student programs.
Details from the meeting
- Key budget components: The budget shows a roughly 6.7% overall increase from FY 2025 driven largely by compensation adjustments, a targeted $3/hour increase for bus drivers, funding to fully cover AP testing, and investments in dual enrollment and licensure programs.
- State revenue and contingencies: Spence reported a projected net increase in state funding of about $620,000 tied to legislative action, and she said the district will return to the board to amend the FY 2026 submission if the governor signs additional funding prior to finalizing the city submission. The board scheduled a joint work session with city council to review the ask.
- Bonuses and timing: Board members asked about one-time bonus language; Spence said the General Assembly allocated certain bonuses to be paid using FY 2025 funds, which reduced the FY 2026 local ask by roughly $138,500.
- Vote and procedure: The board approved the proposed FY 2026 budget in a roll-call vote of 6-0.
Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda amendment and approval (section 7.d): approved 6-0 (Mr. Claude, Vice Chair DeBose, Dr. Goodell, Ms. Jones, Mr. Maxwell, Chair Burbridge). - AP Psychology textbook adoption (item 8.a): approved 6-0. - Proclamation for military child of the month and Week of the Young Child (items 8.b and 8.c): each approved 6-0. - Superintendent's proposed FY 2026 budget (item 9.b): approved 6-0.
What the board directed next
- Staff were asked to present the budget to the city at a joint meeting on Monday and to return with any necessary amendments if state funding changes before the city's deliberations.
Ending
Board members praised staff for the budget work and noted the proposal's intent to improve recruitment and retention. The board will meet with the city council and may amend the request if state allocations are finalized before the city's review is complete.
