Henrico County Public Schools holds public hearing on superintendent's FY2026 recommended budget

John Wack, chief financial officer for Henrico County Public Schools, presented an overview of the superintendent's recommended fiscal year 2026 budget at a public hearing, saying the district's general fund would increase by about $29,800,000, or roughly 4.2% compared with the current year.

Wack said the full 151-page budget document was posted on the district website after the superintendent presented the recommended budget on Feb. 23. He told the school board that the district's debt service associated with previously approved capital project debt was “essentially remaining flat,” while the overall operating budget across all funds is growing by about 3.8%.

The recommended budget reflects targeted increases in several funds: the school nutrition fund is rising by about 3.5% “due to increases in food costs,” and the state and federal special revenue budgets are increasing by about 2.5%, which Wack attributed primarily to increased funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative. He said instruction would continue to account for the largest share of general-fund spending, at more than 75% in FY2026.

Wack emphasized that the FY2026 figures he presented did not yet include funding for employee pay raises. “Those are a budget priority and will be considered later in the process,” he said.

No members of the public had signed up to speak at the hearing; the chair closed the public comment portion after asking whether anyone present wished to speak. The public hearing concluded without public testimony.

The school board will continue the budget process through its usual review and adoption steps; Wack noted the posted budget document as the reference for details and next steps.