Prince Edward School Board approves FY 2025–26 budget, asks staff to seek bids on auditorium, fence and courts

The Prince Edward County School Board voted to adopt the school division’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget as presented and gave staff conceptual approval to seek firm cost estimates and bids for three capital projects: refurbishment of the high school auditorium, installation of a fence behind the elementary school and repairs to the tennis courts.

The board approved the budget after a presentation by a staff member who said the package was built around a county allocation of $1,250,000. The presenter said the draft reflects a 3% salary increase plus step movement for employees and noted the division absorbed remaining shortfalls after vendor concessions. “And since they said they were approving us for the 3% increase, I went to the 3% salary increase option,” the presenter said in the meeting transcript.

Board members asked clarifying questions about how the county allocation compared with prior years and whether the 3% salary increase included step increases; the presenter confirmed that the step increases were included. The board then moved and seconded a motion to adopt the FY 2025–26 budget; no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes other than a voice vote in which the chair called for “all in favor.” The motion carried.

On the capital projects, the board gave “conceptual approval” for the superintendent to pursue detailed estimates, photos, and bids and to return with firm numbers. The superintendent said the county had identified roughly $1 million on its capital improvement plan that could be used toward the auditorium renovation and that contingency funds in the construction fund could be used for the elementary fence. Board members then moved and seconded the motion to authorize staff to proceed conceptually; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The approved operating budget sets personnel and program funding levels for the school division for the coming year and includes a salary adjustment intended to keep educator compensation aligned with the county’s commitment. The conceptual approval for the auditorium, fence and courts starts a procurement process that could result in multi-year capital work and additional funding decisions from the board or county supervisors.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve Prince Edward County Public Schools FY 2025–26 budget (based on county allocation of $1,250,000). Mover: not specified. Second: not specified. Vote: voice vote; outcome: approved. Notes: Presenter said a 3% salary increase plus step movement is included; ABM vendor reduced requested increase from 10% to 5%, leaving the division to absorb remaining shortfall.

- Motion: Conceptual approval for superintendent to solicit bids and return with firm estimates for (1) elementary-school fence, (2) high-school auditorium refurbishment, (3) tennis-court repairs. Mover: Doctor Cox (superintendent) moved to proceed conceptually; second: not specified. Vote: voice vote; outcome: approved. Notes: Board requested “rock solid estimates and photos and bids” before any contract award.

Sources and provenance

Topic introduction excerpt: “Good evening again. I come before you presenting the requested FY 25, 26 budget based on what the county is proposing to approve for us, which is $1,250,000.” (Transcript excerpt from presenter; transcript timecode s=1439.02–1470.71).

Topic finish excerpt: “I move that we conceptually get doctor Cox to go and get bids for the events, the auditorium, the tennis courts, and potentially the boarders. I'll second. All in favor?” (Transcript excerpt where board takes conceptual vote; transcript timecode s=1911.79–1919.49).