Superintendent Dr. Teigen told the Powhatan County School Board that the division has prepared an initial FY26 budget proposal and is projecting an operating fund of approximately $61,983,150, with grants and food-service funds bringing total proposed revenues to roughly $65 million.

The superintendent said the division plans to request a local county transfer of about $31 million — described in the presentation as right at 51% of the operating budget — and that projected state and federal revenue streams (basic aid, special education, Title programs, IDEA and Perkins) were included in the calculations. The presentation used an average daily membership (ADM) figure of about 2,854 for operating-fund calculations and noted current enrollment data from the state "calc tool" of approximately 3,900 students.

Key budget details presented
• Operating fund (proposed): $61,983,150 (as presented by staff).
• Projected grants: $1,663,649 (projected grants for FY26 shown separately in their new grants fund).
• Food service fund: roughly $1,056,358 (presented as total food-service revenue).
• Pay increase built into the draft: $1,350,000 budgeted to support a 3% pay increase (includes benefits, per the superintendent).
• Additional staffing/operating requests: roughly $1,000,000 (these requests had not yet been reviewed by cabinet; if added, the superintendent said the operating fund could rise to about $63 million and the county transfer would need to approach $33 million, or roughly 52.3% of the operating fund).

Board members asked for more detail on enrollment trends, the number of students below grade level, and an evaluation of the subcontracted substitute service (a staff member said Allison is preparing that evaluation and will present it on Feb. 11). Several board members emphasized that fixed costs mean a drop in enrollment does not translate to a proportional drop in expenses.

Why it matters: The draft budget and the requested county transfer will drive talks with the county government during the coming budget season; school-board members indicated they will review staffing requests and other priorities in cabinet and through public budget work.

No formal board action to adopt the FY26 budget was taken at this meeting; the presentation served as an initial review and preview for upcoming budget deliberations.