Danville School Board backs superintendent’s $122.7M budget request, seeks $2.9M city increase

The Danville School Board voted unanimously April 16 to forward Superintendent Dr. Angela Haristen’s FY2026–27 funding request to the city, approving a proposed operating budget of $116.3 million and a total budget of $122.7 million that includes textbook and school nutrition funds.

Miss Gillis, presenting the final review, said the request represents a 1.3% increase over the current year and prioritizes classroom investments, workforce readiness, instructional materials and competitive compensation. The district asked the city for an additional $2.9 million, of which roughly $2.44 million is earmarked for a 2% salary increase, bonuses and compensation-study adjustments; the remainder would support engagement efforts and rising health insurance costs, she said.

The presentation summarized revenue assumptions: the Commonwealth of Virginia provides about 62% of district funding, the City of Danville about 30% (including the $2.9 million request), and grants and other revenue about 8%. Gillis said the district plans to bring an adjusted budget for school board adoption on June 18 if the General Assembly’s final state budget differs from current assumptions.

Dr. Williams moved approval of the request; Mr. Payne seconded. The clerk called the roll and each board member voted yes. Chair Taquan Graves thanked staff and noted positive feedback from the city council.

The board’s next procedural step is to send the request to the city for consideration at its May 19 vote; pending a final state budget, the school board will consider adoption of a final district budget on June 18.