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Pulaski County board pauses some site-based funds and discusses weather-related lost instructional time
Summary
Finance staff reported district revenues tracking close to benchmark but noted county contributions are lower than expected; the board endorsed a temporary 30-day hold on school board site-based funds and discussed missed instructional hours and remote-learning waivers.
Finance staff told the Pulaski County School Board that, with about 42% of the fiscal year remaining, revenues and expenditures are generally tracking to benchmark but that the county contribution sits lower than expected. Because only about 36.64% of the county contribution remains available at this point, staff are implementing a temporary 30-day hold on school board site-based funds to protect fiscal stability.
The board was told that requests to spend those held site-based funds will require approval by the superintendent and the finance lead (Morgan and Mr. Grama). Staff said the temporary hold is a precautionary measure and is not expected to affect core instructional priorities; emergency purchases would still be possible through a documented approval process.
Why it matters: The hold is intended to avoid violating Virginia state code regarding expenditures if revenues decline further. Finance staff said state revenues (basic aid and sales tax) continue to align with projections but that federal revenues are more variable because of reimbursement timing. The board asked for updated analysis at the March meeting and staff said they will reassess the hold then.
Inclement weather and instructional hours: Staff reviewed how the division decides on closings and remote-learning days, noting thresholds (for example, three to four inches of snow or hazardous driving conditions) and the logistical need to feed students on remote days. As of Feb. 9 the division had missed 36 instructional hours due to weather but reported it remains approximately 54 hours above the state-required 990 hours, giving the district some buffer. Staff also noted the option to apply for waivers with the VDOE if additional closures occur during a declared state of emergency.
Votes at a glance: The board approved last month’s minutes, adopted the meeting agenda, approved the consent agenda (warrants, personnel, surplus property) and later approved VSBA showcase nominations. The board also approved the Krizer multi-year plan pending typographic corrections.
Ending: Staff will provide updated budget analysis on March 10 and continue to monitor revenue trends and the 30-day hold on site-based funds.
