Warren County School Board sets spending priorities if county adds $1.15M, approves $2.27M custodial contract and $100K Chromebook purchase

The Warren County School Board on June 4 approved a resolution saying that if the Board of Supervisors provides at least $1,147,662 in additional local funding, the school division’s top priorities would be equalized health insurance cost‑sharing, seven instructional/student support assistants, one student support coach, converting a held position into a nursing coordinator and increased non‑labor supply funding for schools.

The resolution, adopted by voice vote after lengthy budget discussion, came as the board continued efforts to finalize its FY 2026 spending request while awaiting the county’s final budget action. The meeting also included approval of several contracts and routine business: the board approved a 12‑month custodial services management agreement with HES Facilities Management LLC for $2,265,288 for FY 2025–26 and authorized the purchase of Dell Chromebooks from CDW for $100,019.18 using Title I funds.

Why it matters: Warren County Public Schools has been negotiating its FY 2026 request with the Board of Supervisors since March. Board members said the $1.15 million prioritized here would preserve employee insurance sharing previously proposed, shore up classroom supplies and restore student support positions the division says are critical for instruction and attendance recovery.

Board discussion and context Board members reviewed the division’s prior approved budget and several proposals for trimming or re‑prioritizing line items while emphasizing the practical impact on staff hiring and contract acceptances. Board members and administrators repeatedly noted ongoing uncertainty because the county moved one debt service obligation (an energy conservation bond payment) onto the county’s budget; the net effect, administrators said, is that the school division can no longer count on that $467,233 stream for its own operations.

Superintendent and staff reports Dr. Ballinger reported that summer school will run June 9–July 3 (Monday–Thursday) at Hilda J. Barber Elementary, Skyline Middle and Skyline High School, with additional offerings at Diversified Minds; summer meal distribution begins June 6 and is open free to children ages 1–18, with locations and times posted on the division’s website.

Contracts and procurement - Custodial services: The board approved a 12‑month custodial services management agreement with HES Facilities Management LLC for $2,265,288 for FY 2025–26. The administration said the recommended vendor offered an option permitting current contracted custodial employees to remain employed under the new contract and that the negotiated price is about $78,295 less than the current budgeted amount for custodial services.

- Chromebooks: The board approved the purchase of Dell Chromebooks with Google Chrome Education Upgrade and three‑year premium protection from CDW for $100,019.18 to be paid from Title I funds. Staff said the purchase was procured via a Sourcewell contract and meets Virginia procurement requirements.

- ESS substitute contract: The board voted to approve the ESS contract for fiscal year 2025–26. Staff noted ESS removed language that would have charged the division if the district hired an ESS employee recognized as ESS Employee of the Year.

Budget priorities resolution Board members debated a package of prioritized items the board would request if the county provides funding above last year’s appropriation. The motion — approved by voice vote — listed a $1,147,662 figure and specified priorities: share a 10.2% insurance increase between employer and employee; increase school non‑labor/supply allocations; add seven instructional/student support assistants and one student support coach; and convert one held position to a nursing coordinator. Board members asked that the division transmit the priorities to the county before the county’s public hearing.

Other business and approvals - The board accepted the Warren County Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) annual report for 2024–25 and heard SEAC’s request to recruit additional members and hold parent “boot camps.” - The board approved submission of Title I, II, III and IV grant applications to the Virginia Department of Education (applications due July 1). Staff noted budget numbers in those applications are preliminary and will be revised once final allocations are known. - The board added World Geography to the 2025–26 program of studies for incoming ninth graders. Staff said the change aligns the ninth grade option with state standards and allows students to earn a locally awarded verified credit in place of the end‑of‑course SOL for the history requirement. - The board set a special meeting for June 25 at 6 p.m. at Diversified Minds to adopt the FY 2026 budget after the Board of Supervisors is expected to act on June 24. - The June 4 personnel report and personnel report addendum were approved.

Community participation Two speakers addressed the board during the public‑comment period. Sarah Jones identified herself as a candidate for the Happy Creek school board seat and said she would prioritize retaining student support staff: "I respectfully urge you to prioritize retaining the student support staff positions." Angie Robinson, identifying herself as an educator from the North River District, delivered a sharply critical speech directed at board members’ budget positions and behavior; among other statements she said, "This isn't about politics. It's about people, students who deserve resources, teachers who deserve a livable wage," and she criticized particular board members by name for perceived obstructionism.

What’s next The board will transmit its prioritized request to the county and hold a special meeting June 25 to adopt a final FY 2026 budget once county action is complete. Several planned policy readings and first/second readings of policy updates will return to the board at future work sessions.

Ending note: The meeting included multiple unanimous voice votes to approve contracts, grant submissions and the personnel report; items that require county funding remain contingent on the Board of Supervisors’ final appropriation.