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Powhatan schools face roughly $2.6 million shortfall; board told to consider cuts if state aid does not increase
Summary
Finance staff told the board the division’s revenue gap grew after the county indicated a smaller transfer; the superintendent and cabinet must now prioritize roughly $2.5–$1.8 million in reductions depending on pending state amendments.
Powhatan County Public Schools staff told the board that the division’s proposed 2026 operating budget faces a revenue shortfall after the county signaled a lower transfer than requested. The division had sought a $4 million increase in the local transfer but was told the county could provide $1.5 million, leaving the division with a gap between requested expenditures and expected revenue.
Finance staff reported proposed expenditures of $66,753,000 and revised available revenues of about $64,000,194, producing an approximate shortfall of $2,559,000. Staff noted that pending House and Senate proposals could add approximately $742,795 in state funds (basic aid and special education add-ons). If those state amendments become law, the shortfall would shrink to about $1.8 million, but additional decisions would still be required.
The budget presentation listed proposed new staffing and program requests included in the division’s ask: a benefits coordinator, about 1.8 additional counselors, a K–12 alternative program (about 10 positions including behavioral specialists, teachers and aides), another school clinic assistant, a student services program manager, an additional technology staff member, and a reading specialist (noted as an SOQ requirement). The total net personnel increase requested was roughly 16.8 positions, with an estimated recurring cost of about $1,024,300 for positions plus additional contract and program changes.
Staff told the board the division anticipates notification from the state and the county could change again as the General Assembly and governor finalize budgets. Separately, the legislature’s committees proposed a one‑time bonus to certain SOQ-funded instructional support positions; staff explained the state’s proposed bonus would be a one-time FY25 payment for eligible employees, not a recurring raise, and that if Powhatan accepts the full grant amount to pay gross bonuses, the division would still face employer-side required payroll taxes unless it offsets those costs from local funds.
Board members and staff discussed priorities if cuts are necessary, and board members urged residents to contact state legislators about school funding. Staff repeatedly emphasized that final numbers depend on the county transfer, any enacted state amendments, and the governor’s actions.
