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WJCC previews FY27 budget: local contribution +$6M, compensation and health-care costs top concerns

Williamsburg-James City County School Board · December 17, 2025
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Summary

Administration outlined FY27 budget priorities: local contributions increase $6,000,000 under joint operations; year‑2 compensation costs estimated ~$6.8M; each 1% salary increase ≈ $1.3M; healthcare cost scenarios and potential transition of grant-funded positions were discussed.

WJCC administrators presented an initial overview of fiscal‑year 2027 budget considerations, asking the board for priorities ahead of superintendent’s proposed budget release on Feb. 3.

The administration said the new joint‑operations agreement requires approximately $6,000,000 in increased local contributions. State revenue remains uncertain pending the governor’s budget; administrators will refine assumptions after the state release and during January work sessions.

Renee (Speaker 10) reviewed staffing and compensation: the division continues a phased implementation of a compensation study; completing years 2–3 is estimated at $6.8 million (excluding benefits) and the staff noted that a 1% across‑the‑board salary increase costs roughly $1.3 million including benefits. The division also proposed addressing stipends and related‑services positions (speech‑language pathologists, OTs, PTs, psychologists, social workers), including lengthening workday hours for certain related services roles at an estimated cost of $640,000.

Health‑care costs were presented with example scenarios: a 15% plan rate increase could add $2.2M–$2.5M depending on cost‑sharing. Administration said they have set aside reserves and are awaiting final numbers from the local choice health plan as the new plan year is underway.

Other items noted for board consideration: pre‑K center openings (utility costs estimated ~$200,000 for half a year and 12–40 potential new staff depending on assumptions), possible JROTC programming (about 919 students indicated interest) and an initial lacrosse investment estimate (~$225,000 initial; ~$70,000 ongoing) — neither item includes full transportation cost estimates. Grounds and stormwater maintenance costs historically covered by James City County will be invoiced to the division beginning FY27 with an estimated impact of $580,000.

Administration summarized preliminary totals for items discussed: $11.6M–$13.0M for compensation/benefits/positions and $4.3M–$4.6M for non‑compensation items, yielding an illustrative total of $15.3M–$17.0M to be refined in January budget work sessions.