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Prince William County School Board adopts $2.402 billion FY2026 budget and five-year CIP
Summary
The school board on March 19 approved the fiscal year 2026 operating budget of $2,401,954,649 and the FY2026–30 capital improvement program, including a request to the county to transfer 57.23% of general revenues and to appropriate $24.968 million in proffer funds for school construction.
Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on March 19 to adopt a $2,401,954,649 operating budget for fiscal year 2026 and to approve the division’s FY2026–30 capital improvement program.
The budget motion, made by Vice Chair Mr. Blake and seconded by Ms. Williams, directs the superintendent to forward the requested school budget totals to the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors and requests that the county approve a lump-sum appropriation and transfer 57.23% of general revenues to the school division for operations. The board also requested the county accept and appropriate $24,968,000 in proffer funds to support capacity-increasing school construction projects.
Why it matters: Board members and superintendent said the package funds pay increases for school employees, new safety and student-support positions, and academic and career supports the division had prioritized. Chief Financial Officer Shaquille Youssef and Chief Operating Officer Vernon Bach were available to answer technical questions during debate.
Key investments and details cited by staff and board members include a proposed average salary increase (~6.9% referenced by board members), additions of math specialists and instructional coaches, expanded vape sensors in all high schools, more community security officers at elementary schools, eight additional administrative interns for schools with high special-education needs, additional social workers to support McKinney-Vento students, and capital allocations supported by roughly $24.97 million in proffer funds set aside by the county for school use.
Superintendent Dr. Latonya McDade thanked the budget team and described the document as aligned with the division’s strategic plan. “This is a budget that we’re incredibly proud of,” Dr. McDade said during the presentation. Vice Chair Mr. Blake framed the vote as a service to students: “Every dollar in this budget is intentional, designed to uplift and empower every student in our division.”
Board debate: Members from across the board praised the budget process and highlighted district-specific investments — sidewalks and auditorium renovations in the Potomac District, additional deans of students and behavioral supports, increases to summer programming and referee pay for teams advancing in postseason play. One board member, Ms. Wall, expressed disappointment that the teachers’ union had not yet ratified the collective bargaining agreement tied to compensation increases and urged the union to put the agreement to a membership vote.
Vote: The motion to adopt the FY2026 budget and CIP passed 8–0.
What’s next: Following board adoption, the superintendent will forward the budget to the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors for appropriation and approval. The board’s motion also requested that the supervisors accept and appropriate the identified proffer funds to support capital projects.
