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Montgomery County School Board approves 2026–27 operating budget 6–1 after amendments; lunch line item draws opposition
Summary
The board approved the fiscal 2026–27 operating budget after debate over added items including three assistant principals ($350,000), coverage for student lunches ($1.1M), and professional development funds. A friendly amendment added $5,000 to PD for bilingual training; the final vote was six in favor, one opposed.
The Montgomery County School Board voted to approve its proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026–27 after amendments on Feb. 3, 2026.
The package approved by the board included several additions discussed at prior meetings: three elementary assistant principals (about $350,000), a proposal to support free student lunch estimated at roughly $1.1 million, and an expansion in professional development funds. Board members also discussed parental leave provisions and the possibility of bilingual professional development in partnership with Virginia Tech’s World Languages department.
During deliberations a friendly amendment added $5,000 to the professional development line to support language training or related PD; the amendment passed and the full budget motion passed by a 6–1 roll‑call vote.
Board member Miss Parton explained her opposed vote and concerns about the lunch line item: "I'm going to be voting no because I do not feel comfortable with the school lunch line item in there … I think that should be handled by the state," she said, underscoring objections from one member about the scale of the proposed local commitment.
Supporters said the package advances strategic priorities and staffing needs. Finance staff and administrators said the budget reflects previously discussed additions and that continued state legislative engagement could affect the county’s final fiscal exposure.
Because the board approved the budget before formal county budget hearings, staff and board members said they will continue to coordinate with the Board of Supervisors and monitor state legislative developments that could affect school funding.
Vote and next steps
Miss Osborne called the roll: six members voted yes and one voted no. The board approved the budget as amended and will transmit the proposal to county leadership and proceed with required public disclosures and next‑step approvals.
This account summarizes discussion, amendments and the vote recorded during the Montgomery County School Board meeting on Feb. 3, 2026.
