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Nottoway schools warn county of increased local share as state reduces its contribution
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Martin told supervisors that a shift in the state’s local composite index for 2026–28 will increase the county’s required local effort (an estimated ~$500,000), warning that failing to provide that match could risk state funding the district depends on.
Nottoway County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Martin told the Board of Supervisors the state’s local composite index will shift in the 2026–28 biennium in a way that increases the county’s required local effort — a change she estimated could be “upwards of probably $500,000.” The shift, she said, reduces the state share of the division’s budget and shifts more of the cost to the locality.
“This is not a one-time conversation,” Martin told the board, urging continued collaboration to address building needs, programs and student outcomes. She said the school division still receives about 73% of its funding from the state and about 27% from the county, and stressed that losing required state funding would be unaffordable for the small rural district.
Martin highlighted academic progress tied to local investments, noting a 10-percentage-point increase in students in the low-risk reading band on a screening assessment from 2024 to 2025. She also discussed capital needs, ADA compliance work and a new school-construction assistance program that provides 30% state support but requires substantial local contribution for large projects such as HVAC replacements.
Superintendent Martin asked for ongoing, open conversations between the school division and county leadership as the community navigates the funding change and prioritizes both operating needs and capital improvements.
