Resident urges more transparency on school superintendent contract and budgets

Josephine Gilbert, speaking during citizens’ time on May 8, urged the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors to scrutinize recent school division actions and to demand greater transparency and categorical budgeting.

Gilbert asked whether appropriate notice was given for a special school board meeting on May 1 that moved a $15 million‑plus contract from information to approval in the same meeting. She questioned contract provisions in Dr. Warner's contract, including Part 3(e), and whether board members were being required to refer formal complaints to the superintendent in a way that discourages oversight. She also raised concerns about superintendent compensation practices, noting reported commonwealth superintendent salary figures and benefits such as cashing out up to 40 unused leave days per year and employer‑paid memberships and family health coverage.

Gilbert suggested the Board of Supervisors has authority to approve categorical budgets rather than lump‑sum allocations and said she would provide example practices from other counties. She also said summer school is not being offered while two turf fields were approved, and asked the board to consider priorities and oversight.

The board did not take direct action on the concerns during the meeting; Gilbert said she would supply additional information to the supervisors.