Poquoson school board approves 2026–27 calendar, advances budget and bond application after debate over half days

POQUOSON, Va. — The Poquoson City School Board on Feb. 17 approved the school division’s recommended 2026–27 calendar and cleared multiple budget and planning items while grappling with community concerns about scheduled half days.

In a series of unanimous 5–0 votes, trustees approved the consent agenda, the recommended calendar and holidays, a resolution authorizing the city to apply through the Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) for general obligation school bonds, and the division’s multi‑year school support plans required while the Virginia Department of Education reviews identification data.

The superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget was presented to trustees and the public. Finance director Miss Spence said the total proposed FY27 budget is $33,300,000 — an approximate increase of $1,070,000, or 3.32% over FY26 — with about 82% of expenditures tied to personnel costs. Spence said the proposal includes a 2% salary increase (about $432,900), an anticipated 5% rise in health‑insurance costs (about $144,600), and other staffing‑related expenses. A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m., officials said.

Why half days remained on the calendar

Two parents who spoke during…