Board approves $1.37 million net increase in state revenue, reserves part of funds for contingency and tech upgrades

The Colonial Heights School Board approved a fiscal-year 2024–25 budget amendment reflecting updated state funding and auditor adjustments.

Melissa from Business Services told the board the final state student count produced about $1.5 million in additional state revenue, offset by an auditor-identified $191,000 reduction to beginning fund balance, yielding a net increase of approximately $1.372 million. "Some of the additional state revenue was restricted for Food Service purposes," Melissa said, and staff requested $24,000 for computer services to support electronic onboarding and electronic timesheets.

The board also reviewed the capital improvement plan (CIP), which currently reserves $844,000 for the Tech Center HVAC project and includes planned intercom upgrades at the high school. Staff reported engineering work for the Tech Center identified 73 through‑wall units and the need for rooftop units and ductwork; they are pricing equipment and considering procurement strategies, including potential sole-source justification for a specific replacement unit.

The board approved the budget amendment on a roll-call vote and directed staff to forward the amendment to the city. Business Services said restricted food-service funds will remain dedicated to nutrition services and that additional security needs will be prioritized for the next state grant application.

Next steps include procurement planning for the HVAC project, finalizing prices for rooftop units and ductwork and bringing procurement recommendations back to the board as needed.