Wythe County schools report enrollment decline and $250K–$275K projected shortfall as LCI rises
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Poole told the Wythe County School Board that a rise in the locality’s Local Composite Index and lower-than-expected enrollment mean the division faces a budget gap of roughly $250,000–$275,000 for the coming year; final budget decisions will follow updated gubernatorial proposals and the June approval cycle.
Dr. Poole, the division’s superintendent, told the Wythe County School Board on Jan. 8 that a change in the state funding formula and an enrollment drop are the primary drivers of an expected budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year.
"Our Local Composite Index went from 0.3243 to 0.3349," Dr. Poole said, noting that the shift reduces state aid and increases the locality's required local match. He reported current average daily membership (ADM) at 3,525—below the figure the budget had been built on—and said administrators are planning next year's budget using an ADM of 3,450.
The superintendent estimated a budget gap between this year and the next "somewhere between $250,000 to $275,000," saying the figure is not final and that the division will incorporate updated state budget information once the incoming governor's proposals and General Assembly actions are known. "It's a starting point," he said of the state budget document, "but it's going to change."
Board members pressed for detail about the enrollment trends that are driving the projection. Dr. Poole explained kindergarten and many grade levels have trended down for decades; for example, he said the current senior class is about 264 students while this year's kindergarten cohort is about 257.
The superintendent identified several variables that could change the outlook, including insurance costs (the division budgets conservatively for a 10% increase), fuel and electricity prices, and unanticipated personnel or facilities needs. He said principals and directors have begun submitting requests for next year and that the division will continue refining estimates, with more detailed information expected at the February meeting and final budget approval planned for June.
The board approved routine business and personnel recommendations at the same meeting; Dr. Poole said the administration will bring options to lessen the budget impact where possible while maintaining required services.
