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.

- Title II: The board approved the Title II application, which the presenter said funds teacher recruitment, professional development, mentor and lead teacher programs and regional professional learning. A board member moved approval; the motion carried.

- Title III: The board approved a Title III application for English-language acquisition funding in the amount of $7,022.24. The presenter said the division employs three ESOL teachers who serve five schools and that the ESOL student count is transient; the presenter reported that the most recent state report listed 87 English learners but that the division recently had as many as 92 during the school year.

- Title IV: The board approved a Title IV application for $34,052.66 to support well-rounded educational experiences, safe and healthy students programs and limited professional-development uses of technology.

Division literacy plan

The board approved an updated division literacy plan required by the state. Dr. Manninen, who presented the plan, said the update expanded coverage to kindergarten through eighth grade and that the plan lists evidence-based interventions and an assessment strategy. "We had to examine some of those programs and find those ones that will work for that cluster of students on the upper adolescent elementary side," Dr. Manninen said. The plan will be submitted to the state and posted on the division's website after state approval.

Staff bonuses

The board approved a superintendent-recommended distribution of state-provided bonus funds intended for retention. The board approved paying $700 one-time bonuses to full-time staff and $350 one-time bonuses for part-time staff who worked in the 2024-25 school year and have a signed contract to return for 2025-26, to be paid July 31, 2025. The presenter said the state appropriation provided funding tied to Standards of Quality (SOQ) positions but that the division recommended distributing the state funds division-wide. The motion carried.

School security: SSO, bus-camera review and weapon-detection systems

Superintendent Dr. Boyd updated the board on school security steps and sought approval to buy 15 portable weapon-detection units to deploy across the five school buildings.

Dr. Boyd said King George Middle School will receive a grant-funded school security officer (SSO) for four years; the school will continue to have a School Resource Officer (SRO) employed by the county sheriff while the SSO will be employed by the schools. "Having one of each at the school is going to be very beneficial to cover all bases," Dr. Boyd said.

On bus stop-arm cameras, Dr. Boyd reported the division is still exploring business models. He said the company first considered would have required a large upfront capital contribution (about $1,600 per bus for installation) and a monthly service cost (about $270 per bus), which would be expensive given the division's fleet.

On weapon-detection systems, Dr. Boyd recommended purchasing 15 mobile units (five for the high school, four for the middle school and two for each elementary building). He described the units as two portable towers with multiple antennas that can give a visual or auditory alert and be tuned for sensitivity. "Weapon detection systems have proven to enhance safety and threat prevention, provide psychological reassurance for both our students and staff, deter individuals from entering our school buildings with a weapon, allow for more expedient emergency response, and provide greater support to school administration and law enforcement," Dr. Boyd said. The board approved the purchase and associated accessories.

Closed session and personnel

The board convened in closed session under the cited section of the Code of Virginia to review hires, reassignments, designations and retirements; it returned to open session and certified compliance with the statutory requirements. The board then approved the personnel recommendations presented in open session.

Other business

The board approved minutes and several consent items, accepted VSBA policy reviews and updates that had no substantive changes, and approved cancelling the June 16 regular meeting with the caveat that an emergency meeting may be called if necessary.

Votes at a glance (motions approved)

- May 5, 2025 minutes: approved. - VSBA policies (reviewed, no substantive change): approved. - VSBA policy updates on consent: approved. - FY26 operating budget: $68,981,650, approved. - Title I Part A application (based on prior-year figure of $515,991.86; subject to final allocation): approved. - Title II application: approved. - Title III application: $7,022.24, approved. - Title IV application: $34,052.66, approved. - Division literacy plan (2025-26): approved. - One-time staff bonuses: $700 full-time / $350 part-time, paid 07/31/2025, approved. - Purchase of 15 weapon-detection systems and accessories: approved. - Cancellation of June 16 board meeting: approved. - Personnel approvals following closed session: approved.

What the board did not decide tonight

The board voted to explore bus stop-arm camera options but did not approve procurement or a particular business model. Dr. Boyd said staff will continue exploring alternatives and work with transportation staff on next steps.

Looking ahead

Board members said they will continue work this summer on student conduct and bullying interventions and plan to begin the school year with the approved security measures in place. The next regular meeting was announced for July 7, 2025, beginning with required disciplinary hearings in the afternoon and the board meeting to follow.