WJCC projects $4.3M year-end balance; staff bonus proposal tied to state funds

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools staff presented preliminary, unaudited year-end revenue and expenditure projections and a proposed one-time employee payment tied to state funding. Finance staff estimated approximately $4.3 million in unspent funds at fiscal year end and outlined a recommendation to use available funds and state bonus allotments to provide one-time payments to employees.

Assistant superintendent/cabinet-level finance staff reported that projected total revenue for the year is roughly $182 million, about $1.2 million above the fiscal 2025 budget, driven largely by higher-than-expected sales tax and state special-education and at-risk funding. The finalized state budget includes approximately $1.3 million in one-time state funds designated for employee bonus payments; the division proposed providing $1,000 to full‑time employees and $750 to part‑time employees, a plan that would cost roughly $2.0 million. Administration said $748,000 of that cost could be covered from current salary and benefits savings; additional details and final allocation were to be taken up with the board in June.

CFO Renee Ewing told the board that projected payroll and non‑payroll obligations and known encumbrances—textbook purchases, capital upgrades and other contractual commitments—leave an estimated $4.3 million remaining at June 30. Ewing said James City County has indicated it would reallocate $1.0 million back to the school division for the FY26 operating budget and $2.0 million toward the county capital improvement program; those allocations would affect planning for the coming year. Ewing recommended establishing a health-care reserve fund if unallocated year-end funds remain.

Board members asked for clarification on how the state’s $1,000-per‑SOQ-funded-position allocation applies to part‑time roles and how the division would treat SOQ-funded positions that are not full‑time. Administrators said they will analyze the SOQ position mix, consider different distribution models used by peer divisions, and bring a recommendation to the board in June. The superintendent’s office said administration would present more detailed proposals at the board’s June meetings, including final language and eligibility for any one-time payment.

Administration described the revenue and expenditure information as preliminary and unaudited, subject to change as the fiscal year closes and final state allocations and locality actions are confirmed. No final bonus decision was made at the May meeting; board direction and final votes were expected in June.