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Goochland schools present proposed budget, cite enrollment spike and Apple Distinguished recognition
Summary
School division leaders presented the superintendent’s proposed budget highlights including a conservative enrollment projection for funding, a 3% salary increase matching county staff, and investments targeted at instruction, culture, and facilities.
Michael Cromarti, superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, presented the school division’s proposed budget and enrollment trends at the town hall, describing recent increases in enrollment and outlining budget priorities.
Nut graf: The superintendent said the division is budgeting conservatively for state reimbursement purposes while requesting targeted investments for instruction, staff compensation and facilities; school leaders noted a recent enrollment spike at Goochland Elementary tied to a new facility.
What the school presented - Enrollment: The superintendent reported a September 30 count of 2,643 students and said the division is budgeting on an average daily membership (ADM) of 2,520 for FY2026 to avoid over‑projection risk. He explained that reimbursement is based on the March ADM submission and noted that current September numbers reflect roughly 520 students at Goochland Elementary after redistricting. - Investments: The superintendent identified new investments across three strategic goals: instruction and lifelong learning ($95,424 new under Goal 1); inclusive and engaging culture (including the 3% cost-of-living adjustment for staff; $713,534 new under Goal 2); and facilities/resources/technology (about $746,581 new under Goal 3). Total new investments reported were $892,981 in one slide and a larger total cited elsewhere as evolving as additional county dollars were being confirmed. - Funding and balance: The superintendent said the FY2026 presentation shows a balanced budget based on figures available at the time, with county transfer, state grants, sales tax, federal aid, and “other local dollars” (rentals, tuition for nonresident students) as revenue sources. He noted potential changes from late-arriving state figures and federal grant expirations. - Recognitions and outcomes: Goochland was described as an Apple Distinguished School Division; the division reported strong pass rates (82% reading/English, 83% math) and a 98% on-time graduation rate.
Why it matters: School funding decisions affect class sizes, staffing and programs. The superintendent emphasized conservative budgeting to avoid shortfalls after state reimbursements are finalized and flagged that some one-time federal COVID-era grants have expired, increasing pressure on local funds.
Process and follow-up The superintendent said the school board adopted the superintendent’s proposed budget on Feb. 25 and presented it to the county supervisors. He also said the county transfer figure used in the school budget was approximately $31,129,844 (plus or minus about $300,000 as represented in the presentation) and that numbers were still evolving.
Ending The superintendent invited questions and said school staff would be available after the town hall to discuss details.
