Manassas schools present FY26 budget prioritizing pay increases, alternative‑education pilot and building purchase

Manassas City Public Schools on March 26 presented its adopted FY26 budget to the Manassas City Council, proposing a $151.4 million operating‑fund plan that the school division said focuses on employee compensation, classroom instruction and several one‑time investments.

The school board adopted the budget the night before; Director of Finance Tap Kelly presented the division’s revenue and expenditure picture to the joint meeting. Kelly said the operating fund revenue estimate includes about $84.1 million in state aid, $60.9 million in city contributions and roughly $4.3 million in federal funds, with operating expenditures projected at $146.1 million.

Why it matters: School officials said the FY26 proposal seeks to keep staff pay more competitive in a tight labor market while preserving instruction and addressing growing English‑learner enrollment and free‑meal needs. The plan also asks the council to consider one‑time uses of fund balance for a central office building purchase and a pilot alternative‑education program.

Kelly told the joint session: “As you all know, the Virginia Code mandates that the superintendent of each school prepare a [biennial] balanced budget every year,” and that the budget must be presented to the local governing body. Dr. Jennifer Casada, who framed the budget in the district’s strategic plan, said, “This budget represents intentional choices to support student success.”

Major numbers and priorities - Total operating fund revenue presented: about $151.4 million (state aid ~$84.1M; city ~$60.9M; federal ~$4.3M). - Projected operating fund expenditures: about $146.1 million. - Cost…