Petersburg leaders hear FY‑26 schools budget; council signals intent to fully fund $12.97 million transfer

PETERSBURG, Va. — Petersburg City Public Schools on Monday presented a proposed fiscal 2026 budget that school officials said relies on a larger state share and requests a city transfer of roughly $12.97 million for operating needs while funding a $2.4 million capital/technology plan and new staff positions.

The presentation, led by budget consultant John Wallingford and Superintendent Brown, outlined revenue gains from the state and a proposed mix of personnel and nonpersonnel initiatives. John Wallingford, who described himself as the person who “substantially built this this budget that I'm about to present to you,” said the conference budget received from the Virginia Department of Education increases the local required share and enables the division to fund a capital improvement/technology plan.

The school team asked the Petersburg City Council to adopt the all‑funds budget as presented and to provide the calculated local transfer. Mayor Perham and other council members said the council “plan[s] to fully fund the schools” and indicated support for the requested transfer during the meeting, though no formal vote on the transfer was recorded at the joint session.

Why it matters: The budget presentation affects instructional staffing, classroom supports and capital needs across the city’s schools. School leaders emphasized staffing, licensure and attendance work as priorities tied to student outcomes and to the district’s ability to use the additional state and local dollars.

What the proposal includes - Revenues and totals: Wallingford said state funding year‑over‑year increased by about $5.2 million and identified a conference figure for the city transfer near $12.97 million. The division presented an all‑funds total just under $90 million (general fund, food service and grants combined). Food service was shown at about $3.3 million; the grants fund was estimated near $15…