Board adopts FY26 budget, school calendar and multiple district actions in February meeting

The Worcester County Board of Education on Feb. __ approved its proposed FY26 operating budget, adopted the 2025–26 school calendar, authorized virtual instruction for inclement weather next year and approved a series of contracts, personnel actions and recurring-cost requests.

The board voted in favor of the FY26 proposed operating budget, a motion moved by Dr. John Andes and seconded by William Gordy. Superintendent Lou Taylor and chief financial officer Vince Tolbert presented the budget after two board work sessions. The board also approved a recommended change to the OPEB contribution and the transfer of a previously restricted after‑school grant into the unrestricted budget, per Tolbert’s presentation.

In other formal actions the board approved: the Garland turnkey contract to replace the roof at Pocomoke Elementary School (including two alternates); a FY26 non‑recurring cost request to purchase and implement Xonar GPS software for buses; the annual virtual‑instruction authorization for inclement weather for 2025–26; the January monthly financial report; and the personnel exhibit that listed multiple retirements, hires and separations.

Board members recorded voice votes on all motions. For each item the meeting minutes show the supporting motion, a second and a unanimous “Aye” on the roll call of “All in favor?”; no opposing votes were recorded in the open session minutes included in the meeting transcript.

The superintendent recommended the budget and other items as presented; the board forwarded the budget to the county commissioners as part of the regular budget process.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt FY26 proposed operating budget — Motion: Dr. John Andes; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye” recorded). Note: budget includes salary increases, an 8% health‑insurance placeholder and increases in fixed charges; Tolbert reported the package totals $145,221,039 and that two additional items were added after the board’s Feb. 11 work session (increased OPEB contribution and moving a county after‑school grant to the unrestricted budget).

- Adopt 2025–26 school calendar (moderate early‑release model with half‑day PDs) — Motion: Donald Smack; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The calendar sets a Sept. 2 start and a potential June 11 end date, with inclement‑weather days extending into mid‑June if used.

- Authorize superintendent to initiate virtual day instruction for inclement weather in 2025–26 — Motion: Elena McComas; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The plan is annual and was updated from last year only by date.

- Approve Pocomoke Elementary roof replacement contract (Garland/DBS and JVK contracting, base + alternates) — Motion: Dr. John Andes; Second: Elena McComas; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). Superintendent recommended award for a total construction amount presented in the bid tabulation; the recommended package was below the CIP estimate.

- Approve FY26 non‑recurring cost request for Xonar GPS implementation on buses (first‑year cost $65,118; $42,098 one‑time implementation) — Motion: William Buchanan; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The board will forward the non‑recurring request to the county commissioners for review.

- Approve personnel exhibit (retirements, hires, separations as listed in personnel exhibit for February) — Motion: Dr. John Andes (moved “reluctantly”); Second: William Buchanan; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The exhibit listed many pending retirements and at least one new hire and one separation; the superintendent recommended approval.

- Approve January 2025 monthly financial report (non‑salary expenditures $3,115,704.18) — Motion: Donald Smack; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

Process and next steps

The board’s adoption of the FY26 proposed operating budget begins the county’s review and appropriation process; the board and superintendent acknowledged that the county commissioners will consider the request alongside other county priorities. Board members and staff said they will meet with the commissioners and respond to questions; several board members emphasized the district’s obligation to present a budget that reflects student and staff needs.

Notes on method and sources

All motions, seconds and the voice‑vote outcomes summarized here are recorded in the meeting transcript and in the agenda exhibits discussed at the meeting. When roll‑call tallies were not provided in the transcript, items are reported as voice votes with “Aye” and no recorded opposition.