York school board approves multiple financial measures; FY26 operating budget amendment passes 4–1

The York County School Board voted May 19 to approve a set of financial matters, authorize procurements and adopt operating budget amendments for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Key outcomes: the board approved payment certifications and April disbursements, authorized procurement and change orders for FY26, approved a FY25 operating budget amendment and approved a FY26 operating budget amendment that passed 4–1. The consent calendar, a DARE supplies purchase not to exceed $4,000 and a local half‑day board retreat were also approved.

Why it matters: board members discussed revenue and expenditure shifts, including the impact of a state 5.5% compensation increase, rising health premiums and the expiration of one‑time federal stimulus grants; several members debated whether tax increases and expanded spending priorities were justified.

Staff financial presentation: Mr. Pajevich (division finance staff) outlined April expenditures and notable payments: instructional disbursements of approximately $471,786; operations and maintenance of about $286,150; school nutrition payments totaling $788,145; transportation expenses tied to new buses; and capital project payments of about $214,750. He said state revenue was roughly $8.8 million higher in April 2025 compared with April 2024 because of enrollment changes, at‑risk funding and the state’s FY25 compensation increase, while federal revenue was about $2.4 million lower due to the end of one‑time stimulus grants.

Board votes and motions: a motion by Mr. Pajevich, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve financial matters as listed passed 5–0. Resolution 25‑31 (amending FY25 operating budget) passed 5–0 after a motion by Mr. Schaffer and second by Mr. Pajevich. Resolution 25‑32 (amending the FY26 operating budget) passed 4–1 after debate; Mrs. Fairman cast the lone dissent, saying she opposed the tax increase used to balance the budget and objected to some spending priorities including Chromebook purchases and unfunded athletics. A motion approving the school division’s purchase of DARE supplies not to exceed $4,000 passed 5–0. The consent calendar passed 5–0. A motion to hold a local mini‑retreat June 25 passed 5–0.

Board discussion: dissenting board members argued for alternative savings and expressed concern about rising per‑pupil costs, Chromebook screen time and athletic funding choices. Supporters noted the division’s constrained finances, the need to match teacher compensation increases and that York remains in the lower third of Virginia school divisions in per‑pupil spending.

Next steps: the approved amendments and procurement authorizations allow staff to proceed with planned purchases and transfers; board members said further budget priorities, including discussion of athletic funding such as varsity lacrosse, will be topics for future meetings or the planned mini retreat.