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Superintendent outlines draft 2025–26 calendar and preliminary budget impacts tied to governor’s proposal
Summary
The superintendent presented a 177-day 2025–26 calendar draft (Aug. 18–May 29) and a preliminary budget overview tied to Gov. Youngkin’s FY25 amended and FY26 proposed budgets, noting an ADM planning estimate of 1,170, a composite index of 0.6389, a 3% compensation supplement for SOQ-funded staff, and uncertainty around health insurance renewals due to an open bid.
The superintendent presented the 2025–26 draft calendar and a preliminary budget overview, emphasizing coordination with neighboring divisions and the effect of state budget proposals on local planning.
Calendar: The draft calendar is a 177-day schedule with a start date of Aug. 18 and an end date of May 29; graduation is set for May 30. Spring break placement was discussed: the draft places spring break the week of April 1 to align with Easter, while several neighboring divisions are proposing March 30–April 3. The superintendent asked for feedback and said a final calendar would be brought to the February board meeting for a vote.
Budget context: The superintendent summarized that Gov. Youngkin presented an amended FY25 budget and introduced a proposed FY26 budget. Division planning uses an average daily membership (ADM) estimate of 1,170 for FY26. The standards of quality (SOQ) were discussed: approximately 57% of qualifying positions are funded by the state; the composite index was given as 0.6389, indicating the locality bears about 64% of costs and the state about 36%. The governor’s proposal includes a 3% compensation supplement for SOQ-funded staff. The superintendent cautioned that VDOE had delayed calculation templates and that the division is awaiting template releases to refine local numbers.
Health insurance and positions: The TLC health plan contract was out to bid, and Anthem currently holds the contract; the Department of Human Resource Management delayed award announcements, creating additional uncertainty for FY26 renewal projections. The superintendent noted potential increases in maintenance, operations and technology costs and said additional positions, particularly in special education (including an early childhood special education paraprofessional), may be needed; detailed requests will be refined during upcoming budget work sessions.
The board asked questions about how differing spring break weeks might affect athletics and regional programs (Governor’s School, Bridging Communities, JROTC); the superintendent said the primary impacts would be on those regional programs and scheduling. A work session on budget details was scheduled within the next two weeks.
