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Culpeper schools report $913,000 projected FY2026 shortfall as enrollment lags
Summary
Culpeper County Public Schools reported approximately $125.6 million in FY2026 revenues and roughly 8,200 students in enrollment, with a projected revenue shortfall of about $913,000 due to enrollment below budget; the superintendent outlined timing for state re-benchmarking and the division’s budget schedule.
Culpeper County Public Schools officials told the School Board on Jan. 12 that enrollment remains about 8,200 students and that the division projects a roughly $913,000 revenue shortfall for FY2026 as enrollment is below budgeted levels.
Finance presenter Neal Deane reported total FY2026 revenues of approximately $125.6 million (excluding capital projects, debt and food service) and year-to-date expenditures of about 44% of the School Operating Fund and Food Service budgets, which he said aligns with the same period last year. Deane attributed the projected shortfall primarily to enrollment being below the division’s budget assumptions.
Division Superintendent Dr. Tony Brads told the board staff are reviewing the state re-benchmarking process and the governor’s proposed 2026–2028 biennial budget (House Bill 30 and Senate Bill 30), elements that include enrollment projections, the Local Composite Index, VRS contribution rates, sales tax and lottery revenue estimates, compensation supplements, and preschool initiative slots. Brads said staff will compare those elements to the division’s budget requests; the board is scheduled to approve the division budget by the end of March and submit it to the county by April 1.
Board members had no additional questions during the finance presentation. The projected shortfall will be considered as staff and the board develop final budget recommendations in upcoming work sessions.
