Chesterfield schools present needs-based FY2026 budget; $25.6 million visible for priority spending

Chesterfield County Public Schools presented the superintendent's FY2026 proposed operating budget during a Jan. 23 board work session, laying out $25.6 million in incremental revenue the division currently has line of sight to and a prioritized needs-based spending plan.

The proposal front-loads mandatory and high-priority expenses: a 3% raise for all staff, health and dental cost increases, custodial contract escalators, technology service inflation and a new lease for the spring-line District 60 administrative space. Budget presenters said that set of items consumes most of the $25.6 million and leaves an unfunded gap of about $16.8 million for other identified needs.

The budget matters because the division calls it “needs-based” under Virginia code and says local and state funding together determine whether identified student supports and capital partnerships can be funded. The board was asked to review proposals and use upcoming town halls to gather community input before school-board action in late February and a final adoption before the July 1 fiscal deadline.

Presente…