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Craig County schools warn $500,000 funding gap could force staff cuts
Summary
At a school board budget work session, the superintendent’s presentation said the division needs about $2.9 million from the county to fully fund optional state programs but that the county’s current proposal of $2.3 million would likely require staff reductions and cuts to optional programs.
The presenter of Craig County Public Schools’ budget outlook told the school board Tuesday night that the division faces a roughly $500,000 shortfall in county support that could force reductions in staff and optional programs.
The presentation, given during a budget work session, said the VDOE-based calculation indicates the division would need about $2.9 million in county contribution to fully fund optional state programs that require local matches; the county has proposed approximately $2.3 million. “We receive less funding than the amount of children we actually reach every day,” the presenter said, noting 518 students are enrolled while state funding is calculated on a lower average daily membership figure.
Why it matters: The presenter warned that the difference could translate into personnel reductions—an estimated five teaching positions or 11 instructional assistants, or some combination of staffing cuts—unless the county increases its contribution. The division estimated it would seek an additional $500,000–$530,000 to avoid layoffs.
The presenter framed the shortfall by explaining how several optional state programs work: the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), at‑risk funding, compensation supplements and infrastructure allocations all require local matches. For example, the presenter said at‑risk funding brings roughly $567,000 from the state and requires a county match of about $376,000. The division listed 25 VPI slots against a kindergarten cohort of 46 as one example of services that would be affected.
Board members and staff emphasized the county’s role. The presenter noted that Virginia’s funding model ties local school budgets tightly to locality decisions and said meetings are scheduled with the board of supervisors to seek a higher county contribution. The presenter asked the public to advocate to the board of supervisors on behalf of school funding.
Public comment during the work session underscored staffing and pay concerns. George Foster, who identified himself as a resident, urged raises greater than 3% for all employees and highlighted low substitute pay for bus drivers (he cited a Highland County rate of $120 a day versus Craig County’s $71), and urged adding a spare bus to ensure transportation coverage.
What’s next: The presenter said the school board will continue budget work sessions and meet with the board of supervisors; no formal budget decision was recorded at the meeting.
