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Amelia County school officials present FY27 budget proposal, warn state funding shift raises local share
Summary
An ACPS presenter outlined a $26.48 million FY27 spending plan that asks the county to increase local support as state formulas and rising insurance and salary costs shrink state aid; the division added a safety coordinator paid 60% by DCJS and flagged enrollment and staffing pressures.
An Amelia County Public Schools representative presented the divisionproposed FY27 budget to the Board of Supervisors, saying recent General Assembly actions and a rising composite index will push a larger share of education costs onto the county.
The presenter said the proposed budget shows $26,475,986 in total revenues and expenditures and assumes an average daily membership (ADM) of 1,460.8. "We're really just focused on drilling down to the essentials," the presenter said, describing community and staff survey results that prioritized strong instruction, safe facilities and fiscal efficiency.
The presenter warned that the state's composite index is projected to increase about 6.9% for the next biennium, which reduces the state's share and raises the county's required local match. The division built the budget around two large cost pressures: health-insurance premium increases and state salary supplements. The budget had assumed a 16.6% premium increase that was revised to a renewal of 14.4% after the insurer issued final figures; legislators' differing salary proposals (2% in the governor's and House plans, potentially 3% under the Senate plan) still leave the final mandated salary increase uncertain.
The approved school-board presentation also described one new recurring local cost: a district safety coordinator funded approximately 60% by a Department of Criminal Justice Services grant with an estimated local share of $40,000. Other planned increases include custodial-contract renewals and higher utilities estimates; the presenter said transportation and maintenance budgets are particularly driven by personnel and health-insurance costs.
On capital needs, the presenter confirmed two standard bus replacements are budgeted this cycle (roughly $316,000 for two). The division also listed unfunded priorities it would add if revenues allow, including a math specialist, an instructional coach and additional in-class support for students and teachers.
The presenter emphasized uncertainty: state revenue projections will be updated after the legislature returns in April, and the school division will adjust the FY27 plan accordingly. The board took questions and asked staff to return with any updated numbers after the General Assembly finalizes its budget.
