Board hears budget pressure; district accepts multiple grants including $75,000 for computer science

Powhatan County school leaders told the board Jan. 13 that the division faces tightened finances heading into FY27 and asked members to prepare contingency scenarios while accepting several state and local grants.

Chief Financial Officer Debbie Holloway summarized the division’s preliminary budget picture: a change in the local composite index will reduce state revenue (projected loss about $1,003,000) and enrollment declines reduced average daily membership; the division has tentatively built a 4% salary increase into projections. Holloway also warned of a possible health‑insurance cost increase the county has discussed with the schools, which the county estimated at 25 percent; that rise would add substantial cost and remains uncertain.

"We have built in a 4% salary increase for all staff in the operating fund," Holloway said, while adding that health‑insurance projections remain unsettled. Holloway calculated that, based on current assumptions and without health‑insurance changes, the division would need approximately $3,819,000 from the county to balance the operating fund. She said further scenario work and VRS rate updates will be available before final budget decisions.

Separately, the board accepted several appropriations and grant increases: a new ACSE grant of $75,000 to support computer science standards and teacher professional learning; DBHDS funding of $108,935.71 to support partnerships with the Goochland‑Powhatan Community Services Board for in‑school counseling; and a VPSA grant carryover (~$180,000) to support computer‑based instructional and testing systems. Each appropriation was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Board members asked for scenario planning and earlier joint discussions with the Board of Supervisors so the county understands the division’s needs during the supervisors’ budgeting process.