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WJCC board adopts roughly $219 million FY2027 budget after debate over lacrosse funding
Summary
The school board adopted the FY2027 budget (about $219 million across funds) after public and board debate over adding a $225,000 lacrosse line item; the amendment to add lacrosse funding failed in a roll‑call vote and the board approved the budget as presented.
The Williamsburg‑James City County School Board voted to adopt its fiscal year 2027 budget after extended discussion about priorities and an unsuccessful amendment to add a $225,000 lacrosse line item.
Staff described the proposed budget as approximately $219 million across operating, grants, state‑operated programs and child‑nutrition funds, noting an estimated $10.6 million increase in revenue tied to state proposals and local funding and approximately $11.9 million in increased expenditures driven by compensation, benefits and contractual commitments. Staff said those figures created an approximate $1.2 million gap that influenced which above‑and‑beyond requests could be included; items removed when additional local funding was not available included some school‑based staff positions, school security officer requests, certain central support roles, and a lacrosse startup line originally in the above‑and‑beyond list.
During the meeting board member Mr. Hosang moved an amendment to add $225,000 to the budget to fund lacrosse, proposing to offset the amount by reducing a portion of the board‑authorized compensation‑study increase. He said athletics are part of a student’s education and urged the board to use discretionary funds to permit lacrosse to begin. Several board members opposed the amendment on logistical and priority grounds—citing transportation and finding opponents in the district, the commitments already made to implement the compensation study, and the long‑term cost of delaying compensation changes. After debate the amendment failed on a roll‑call vote.
With the amendment defeated, the board adopted the FY2027 budget as presented. Board members and staff emphasized that if state funding changes in the coming months, staff will return to the board with recommended amendments. The budget includes targeted compensation investments and increased stipend funding, along with continuing review of program needs and facility priorities.
What changed and next steps: The board adopted the budget tonight; staff will monitor the final state budget and return with amendments if additional funding becomes available. The failed amendment leaves lacrosse unfunded in FY2027, and board members said they expect continued community advocacy and ongoing planning around athletics and facilities.
