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WJCC public hearing on FY27 capital plan spotlights expansion costs and funding shortfalls

Williamsburg-James City Public Schools School Board · November 19, 2025
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Summary

At a public hearing on the fiscal‑year 2027 capital improvement plan, community members praised maintenance items but questioned planned expansions—one resident flagged an $11.5 million Warhill technical center and another warned a Jamestown expansion would add nearly $10 million despite projected enrollment declines; the board will vote Dec. 9.

At a public hearing Monday night, Williamsburg‑James City County School Board heard praise for routine maintenance in its proposed fiscal‑year 2027 capital improvement plan and sharp questions about proposed expansion projects.

"Keep your buildings up to snuff — that's great — even though it's a lot of money," said Jay Everson, who reviewed line items in the draft plan and called attention to a Warhill technical center scheduled in fiscal year 2031 for about $11.5 million. Everson also said the plan proposes just under $10 million for Jamestown expansions in FY32–33 despite the division’s enrollment forecast showing a decline of about 309 high‑school students over the next decade.

"It makes no sense," Everson said, arguing that capacity additions should be weighed against long‑term enrollment trends.

A James River Middle School teacher, Mark Rosardi, told the board the division has seen a recurring gap between what the school board requests in its CIP and what funding partners actually provide. "Looking at fiscal year 26 onward, we are projected to have a deficit of around $3,000,000," Rosardi said, calling for transparency about how a new joint‑contract funding arrangement will align partner priorities with the division’s identified needs.

Superintendent Doctor Keever told the board there was no formal presentation on the CIP at this meeting and that staff intend to bring the plan to a vote on Dec. 9. Board members did not ask additional questions at Monday’s session.

The public comments came amid broader discussion of deferred maintenance — commenters generally supported roof and HVAC repairs, carpet and painting projects — while urging the board to justify major new construction and to clarify how partner funding decisions will affect the division’s prioritized list.

The board did not make a decision on the CIP at this meeting; the vote remains scheduled for the board’s Dec. 9 session.