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Board adopts superintendent's FY2627 proposed budget and approves one-time fund appropriations
Summary
After a budget presentation the board adopted the superintendent's FY2627 operating, categorical and special funds budget (vote 8-1) and approved appropriation of one-time funds (unanimous). The proposed FY2627 total is $855 million, driven by personnel increases, a projected 3% compensation adjustment and targeted one-time capital priorities including vestibules and turf fields.
The school board adopted the superintendent's proposed FY2627 operating, categorical and special funds budget and approved the requested appropriation of one-time funds following presentations from Superintendent Dr. Cotton and Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Glaude.
Mrs. Glaude said the proposed FY2627 budget totals $855 million, an increase of $10.4 million (1.2%) over the current year, driven primarily by personnel and fringe benefit increases. "The proposed budget totals $855 million," she said, and explained drivers including a compensation adjustment and health cost trends.
Key budget drivers discussed included a 3% compensation adjustment for FY2627 (an additional 1% local on top of a 2% state-provided adjustment), a projected $8.5 million increase in health care costs tied to a 10% cost trend, and $6.1 million higher purchase services for maintenance, transportation and AV replacements. The CFO said the budget continues funding elementary school resource deputies at $2 million.
The CFO also summarized state budget proposals and uncertainty in Richmond: both the House and Senate proposals include a $1,500 bonus for funded SOQ positions effective June 1, 2026; the House and Senate differ on other adjustments and revenue assumptions, and staff recommended maintaining the governor's December 2025 revenue baseline until a final state budget is approved.
After the presentation, Dr. Cotton asked the board to adopt the proposed budget. Miss Huddle moved adoption and Mr. P seconded. Board member Mr. McCormick praised staff work and urged continued efforts to secure outside funding for the school resource deputy program; the motion carried 8 to 1, with board member McCormack (transcript spelling variant) recorded as the lone opposing vote.
Dr. Cotton then asked the board to approve appropriation of one-time funds for nonrecurring operating projects and capital improvements (turf field replacements, track upgrades, AV replacements, doors/hardware, and secure vestibules for elementary schools among the priorities). Miss Swagger moved to appropriate the one-time funds; Mr. Cologne seconded, and the motion carried with all board members voting in favor. Staff will submit the one-time appropriation request to the city for its approval as required.
Board discussion noted that some members continue to pursue city or sheriff funding for school resource deputies and suggested the district should solicit bids if the district will continue funding the program. Board members also expressed support for vestibules and other safety and facility investments in the one-time funding list.
Next procedural steps described by staff: staff will continue work sessions, present priorities on April 20, balance with the city's budget appropriation on May 18, and return a final budget adoption request after reconciliation of state and local changes.
