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Residents urge funding for special education and express concern over AI use at Smyth County school budget hearing
Summary
At a May 21 public hearing, residents supported school funding while flagging concerns about staff pay, leadership and use of funds for artificial intelligence; the Board accepted public comment and did not take action that evening.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on May 21 received public comment on the proposed Smyth County School Board fiscal 2026–27 budget, during a hearing the board opened and closed the same evening. Chair Charlie Atkins presided.
Billy Stamper of 307 West Chilhowie St. said he supports school funding but urged the board to address staff salaries and leadership, and to increase resources for special education and classroom supplies. "While I feel that the Schools should be funded, I have concerns regarding the salaries of staff and their leadership of the school systems," Stamper said.
Dr. Charles Wassum of 300 Wassona Park told the board he opposed directing any school funding to artificial intelligence initiatives. "I did not want any school funding to be used for AI," he said.
County Administrator Shawn Utt had read the published notice and budget synopsis into the record, which lists total operations for the school board at $69,350,897 and identifies state, local and federal revenue components. The notice cites Virginia statutes governing publication and appropriations. Chair Atkins closed the hearing after public testimony.
The board did not take action on the school budget at the May 21 session; the published notice states that adoption requires subsequent appropriation actions and that the hearing was to receive public comment.
