King George County School Board approves $68.98 million budget, federal grants, staff bonuses and school weapon-detection systems

The King George County School Board on Monday approved the school division's fiscal 2026 operating budget, a slate of federal Title grants, one-time staff bonuses and the purchase of weapon-detection systems for every school building.

The board voted to approve an operating budget of $68,981,650 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, following an appropriation resolution from the King George County Board of Supervisors. A staff presenter told the board the local share allocated by the Board of Supervisors totaled $26,328,370. "I recommend that we approve the budget allocation in a total amount of $68,981,650 for the operation of King George County Schools for the fiscal year beginning 07/01/2025 and ending on the June 2026," the presenter said. The motion carried.

Why it matters: the approved allocation sets the school division's revenue and spending plan for operations, staffing and programs for the coming school year and implements local and state funding decisions already made.

Grants and federal programs

The board approved several federal Title grants the division will use for instruction, staff development and student supports. Presenters said these awards are formula grants administered under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and that final allocations can change when state figures are finalized.

- Title I, Part A: The board accepted a Title I application based on a prior-year award of $515,991.86; the presenter said that amount "most likely will change when final allocations are given to the district and the grant will be revised." The presenter noted Title I supplements the regular program and is intended to "provide all children with significant opportunities to receive a fair, equitable, and high quality education and to close educational achievement gaps." The motion to approve the Title I application passed.

- Titl…