Halifax schools begin FY27 budget planning; division flags grant application and funding risks
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Summary
At its Dec. 2 meeting the Halifax County School Board reviewed FY27 budget-development steps, heard that the division applied for a $6.6 million grant supported by the county Board of Supervisors, and was warned of possible state funding reductions, ADM formula changes and local contribution increases.
The Halifax County School Board received a budget-development briefing Dec. 2 outlining next steps for the FY27 budget and potential funding challenges.
Presenter (identified in the meeting packet and on the record as the division budget lead) said the governor's budget is expected in mid-December and the division will hold a budget work session in late January once state numbers are released. The superintendent and staff asked the board to review division goals now so changes can be incorporated in January.
The chair reported the county Board of Supervisors voted 7–0 (with one member absent) on Nov. 21 to support the division's application for a $6,600,000 grant; the chair cautioned that the application does not guarantee an award, and that the grant cannot be used for construction or to renovate existing sports fields but could contribute to building a multipurpose practice facility.
Budget staff noted several near-term risks: projected reductions in Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) funding, a modest general-fund revenue outlook, labor-market challenges affecting hiring and retention, and a possible change to the student-based funding formula that could alter Average Daily Membership (ADM) calculations. The presenter said the division's composite index increased from 30.12 to 31.17, which will raise the locally expected contribution rate and could shift more cost burden to local funding.
Board members proposed coordinating early with the Board of Supervisors through a joint meeting and discussed small local budget priorities such as increasing the modest per-teacher classroom stipend currently provided to schools. The board asked staff to prepare a calendar and updated projections for presentation in January.
Next steps: staff will monitor ADM figures, incorporate the governor's budget once released, prepare draft spending plans for departments and principals, and present a draft budget at a January work session before submission to the Board of Supervisors by the Feb. 28 deadline.