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Superintendent gives $60M high‑school update, outlines FY27 budget uncertainty
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Castle reviewed progress on the high‑school project (design development, 95% documents, anticipated mobilization) and presented FY27 revenue projections, noting a governor's proposed $2.8M increase and federal funding uncertainty; he cautioned the state share will not cover full local raise costs and recommended work sessions tied to General Assembly action.
Superintendent Dr. Castle updated the board on the high school construction and the FY27 budget outlook. On the capital project he described progress through design development, comparison estimates with a third‑party estimator, the upcoming 95% construction documents and a target mobilization date of June 1 if the city’s bond sale proceeds. He said the division received an $8.5 million school construction grant from the Virginia Department of Education that has been partially spent on design and engineering.
On operating revenue for 2026–27, Dr. Castle said the governor’s proposed budget includes a roughly $2.8 million increase for the division and that federal revenue projections are difficult to lock down because federal fiscal timing and program renewals remain uncertain. "That number could go down. I don't really think it will. It could go up," Dr. Castle said of the governor’s proposal, and he cautioned that the state typically funds only a portion of the cost to implement raises, leaving local funds to cover the remainder.
Dr. Castle recommended holding budget work sessions after the General Assembly 'crossover' so the division has firmer state entitlement figures. He also discussed timing for bond sale documents and the sequence of approvals required from the Department of Education and local building officials before construction can proceed.
