Manassas City schools present $175.8 million FY27 budget; council to review before April public hearing

Manassas City Public Schools presented a proposed $175,800,000 budget across all funds for fiscal year 2027, school finance staff told the joint meeting of the Manassas City School Board and City Council.

"As you can see from the table, the school board has adopted a $175,800,000 budget across all funds," said Tap Kelly, director of finance, as he walked council through revenue and spending highlights. Kelly told the joint meeting that the total package represents about a $15 million increase over FY26 — roughly 9.3% — and that the operating budget reflects both increased revenues and increased obligations.

The presentation framed state aid (about 57%) and the city appropriation (about 39%) as the primary operating revenue drivers. Kelly said the $14.3 million increase in total revenue includes a $6.8 million pass‑through tied to the division’s partnership with the Virtual Academy of Virginia, a roughly $6.8 million increase designated for compensation, and roughly $1.2 million in additional strategic investments beyond pay.

Kelly outlined compensation changes included in the proposal: an average 5.5% increase across all staff, a targeted 6.5% increase for support staff, 5.5% for teachers, and roughly 5% for administrative and hourly rates. He also flagged rising insurance costs and said the employer contribution for reinsurance will increase by about $117,000.

Dr. Newman, who opened the schools’ presentation, emphasized the constraints shaping the proposed plan and said the budget was prepared using the governor’s current biennial proposal. "Our federal money flows to the state...this budget being presented tonight is based off of Governor Youngkin's budget because that's the one that's approved," Dr. Newman said, cautioning that the division likely will return with an amended budget after the General Assembly reconvenes in April.

Officials also described the division’s capital improvement plan for FY27–31. Projects noted for FY27 include completion of the new Jenny Dean elementary school, boiler replacements at Williams and Hayden elementaries, restroom refurbishments at Metz Middle and Osborne High (including a concession stand update and turf‑field installations), divisionwide technology upgrades, playground work and bus purchases. Kelly said bond proceeds remain the primary funding source for ongoing construction and that some fund balance will be used for bus purchases.

Council members pressed staff for clarifications. On the Virtual Academy partnership (VAVA), school staff said the division is the host for roughly 35–37 Manassas resident students and that about 800 out‑of‑district students participate under the Virtual Academy of Manassas; most funding for out‑of‑district students passes through to the academy. On special education, staff said enrollment is slightly down but an external review recommended adding six positions to reduce non‑instructional burdens on classroom teachers.

Council and school staff agreed to resume more detailed budget conversations at a followup meeting in early April and reminded members of the city’s April 27 public hearing deadline for the city budget. Officials said the school board will return with any changes if state funding shifts when the General Assembly completes its work.

The presentation materials and a CIP booklet were posted online and staff agreed to circulate the presentation to council members and the public before the next meeting.