Board approves $1.84 million in school carryover spending and holds $300,000 for capital fund

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors approved, by roll call vote on March 31, a school‑division request to reappropriate $1,839,781 in excess FY25 funds for capital projects and equipment, while placing $300,000 of that sum in a school capital/construction reserve.

School staff described the amended request: $900,000 for a roof replacement at N.B. Clements Junior High; wet‑well sewer pump replacements at Harrison and South elementary schools; replacement of library carpeting at the high school; modular replacements and other capital needs totaling the requested amount. The school board indicated it wanted to keep $450,000 in a capital improvement fund for future projects; during joint discussions board members recommended retaining a portion of that for a 3.11 school capital reserve. After discussion, supervisors agreed to permit the full carryover appropriation but hold $300,000 for that school capital fund pending development of fund parameters and a future joint committee recommendation.

Supervisors and school officials discussed competing priorities: several board members stressed the need to balance one‑time capital maintenance (work best done during school breaks, such as cafeteria painting and kitchen HVAC) against recurring budget pressures the county is addressing in FY27 budget planning. School staff said the Clements roof is a priority and that some projects (wet‑well pumps) are operationally urgent.

A motion to approve the carryover with $300,000 retained for the school CIP/school construction fund carried unanimously. The board and school staff also discussed a planned budget work session to address remaining FY27 funding gaps and the timing of any broader capital‑fund policy recommendations.