Board approves FY27 budget, reiterates goals tied to $115.4M school bond

The Berkeley County Schools Board voted to approve the district’s fiscal year 2027 budget after a final review at its May 18 meeting.

The budget as presented includes a general fund of $23,069,116, a special/restricted revenue fund of $37,271,960 and a debt service fund of $13,006,600. Superintendent Dr. Sachs reminded the board that the district remains committed to pay increases, noting proposed starting salaries of $50,000 for certified professionals and $30,000 for service personnel. The board moved and the chair called the vote; the motion carried.

Why it matters: The board approved the spending plan as a step to submit an official budget to the state by the June 30 deadline. Dr. Sachs also used the meeting to outline plans stemming from a bond voters approved on May 2: a $115,400,000 school construction bond that district officials say will leverage an additional $45,000,000 through the West Virginia School Building Authority to address overcrowding, aging facilities and capacity needs across the county.

Dr. Sachs said staff will present a timeline of projects and sequencing to the board in the coming weeks so schools and families understand when construction and improvements will begin at specific sites. He also thanked both supporters and voters who opposed the bond and stressed the district’s commitment to transparency as projects move from planning into construction.

What the board approved next: The district will submit the FY27 budget to the state department by June 30 for final sign-off and expects to distribute superintendent evaluation materials to board members before the next meeting. The superintendent said the district will provide detailed project timelines to schools and the community so families know when specific facility improvements will occur.

The board adjourned the agenda item after approving the budget and moved on to other consent and construction items.