Petersburg school board hears FY26 budget plan; administration proposes passing state $1,000 bonus to all eligible employees

PETERSBURG, Va. — Petersburg City Public Schools officials presented their proposed fiscal 2026 budget at a March 5 public hearing, telling the school board the governor's introduced budget and enrollment growth are driving higher state revenue while the city transfer is expected to remain flat.

The presentation by consulting chief financial officer John Wallingford and current chief financial officer Dr. Mathias Greenwood laid out a revenue estimate based on the governor's introduced budget, an anticipated 3% staff raise adopted by the General Assembly, and a projected student enrollment increase of roughly 100'150 students per year. Wallingford said the governor's introduced budget would provide about $55.8 million in state funds, combined with a city transfer of about $12.3 million for a total near $68 million; house and senate amendments could push total revenue to just over $70 million.

Why it matters: The budget discussion centers on salary and benefits, which administrators said are the primary cost drivers for FY26. The board also heard staff requests for new positions, recruiting incentives and changes to the district's capital accounting and fund-balance handling.

Board chair Kenneth Pritchett opened the public hearing. Wallingford highlighted priorities that guided budget development: talent recruitment and teacher quality, strengthening financial infrastructure and internal controls,…