Hampshire County Schools previews $46.6 million FY27 budget; officials warn reserves below target

Denise, the district finance presenter, told the Hampshire County Board of Education the district’s consolidated FY27 budget totals $46.6 million and that the board will hold a public budget hearing on the 18th before adopting the plan. "This is just all of our funds collectively together. It totals 46.6 million dollars," she said.

Denise highlighted enrollment and revenue risks that could affect state aid and reserves. She said the current analysis shows a net increase of seven students compared with the prior year’s reporting window but also a decline of 55 students since Oct. 1 and a ten‑year decline of 671 students. "As far as like revenues back and forth right now from 25 to 26 and 26 to 27, we are experiencing $717,101 less revenues than I have in the current year budget," she told the board.

Carryover and contingency figures were a focus. Denise said the district plans to bring $1,482,773 forward into FY27 as carryover but noted the state review now expects a 5% contingency for reasonableness; she calculated the required contingency at $1,642,473.96 and said the board must explain any shortfall to the West Virginia Department of Education.

The presenter also identified line‑item adjustments and realized savings the district is using to balance the budget. She said the budget reflects reductions in travel and a successful rebid of internet and phone services that lowered budgeted amounts (internet from $100,000 to $60,000; phone from $70,000 to $45,000). She highlighted planned textbook and instructional-supply funding ($176,000) and a child nutrition transfer projection of $295,000 for FY27 after staffing adjustments.

On personnel-related budget pressure, Denise said salaries and benefits will account for 80.49% of the general fund in FY27 — up from 78.24% the year before — and that the budget currently shows a small number of positions above formula that the district is monitoring. She described placeholders used to preserve hiring flexibility for changing enrollment.

Board procedure items followed the presentations: the board accepted the April 21 minutes by voice vote and approved financial consent agenda items (bills, budget revisions and fund transfers). Later in the meeting the superintendent moved under West Virginia Code 6‑9A‑4 to retire into executive session to discuss personnel matters; the board recessed for executive session at 7:53 p.m.

Denise urged board members to review the detailed packet and to direct questions to her by email or text; the board will consider the formal FY27 adoption following the scheduled public hearing.