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Smyth County opens public hearing on $69.35 million FY27 school budget; residents urge special education, oppose AI funding
Summary
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing May 21 on the proposed FY2026–27 Smyth County School Board budget totaling $69,350,897 in operations; residents urged more special-education and classroom funding while one commenter opposed using school funds for AI.
Chair Charlie Atkins opened a public hearing May 21 in Marion on the Smyth County School Board’s proposed FY2026–27 operations budget.
Assistant County Administrator Lisa Richardson read the advertised budget summary, which shows total operations of $69,350,897 and lists state, local and federal revenue estimates and line-item expenditures including $50,303,905 proposed for instruction in 2026–27.
During public comment, resident Billy Stamper said he supports funding schools but raised concerns about staff salaries and leadership and asked for greater funding for special-education classes and classroom supplies. Dr. Charles Wassum said he "did not want any school funding to be used for AI." Chair Atkins closed the hearing after public testimony.
Why it matters: The advertised school operations total and line-item changes will inform the board’s appropriation decisions; public commenters focused on classroom-level needs and priorities for limited funds. The notice for the hearing referenced requirements in the Code of Virginia for budget advertisement and appropriation procedures.
What the transcript shows and does not: The published budget packet and the advertisement were read into the record; no board action or vote occurred at the hearing. The hearing collected public comment for the Board’s later consideration and appropriation decisions.
Next steps: The Board will consider the school budget for appropriation in subsequent meetings per statutory requirements.
