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Council member defends Waynesboro’s school-funding approach amid public concerns
Summary
A Waynesboro council member told colleagues the city has done detailed homework on school funding, noting population growth since the current formula and arguing Waynesboro’s per-student dollar contribution compares favorably with neighboring localities; the council plans a future meeting with the school board once state budget guidance is clearer.
A council member during Monday’s Waynesboro City Council meeting pushed back on criticism that the city had not thoroughly examined school funding, saying the administration is preparing to meet with the school board once state budget proposals are clearer.
The council member said population in the city has risen about 13%–15% since the local funding formula was adopted and observed that school enrollment has remained flat, creating added community service needs. The speaker also contrasted per-student dollar contributions across nearby localities: "Augusta County contributes about $5,684 a year per student at 50%; Waynesboro contributes $6,450 a year at 42%," the council member said, arguing that dollar amounts can tell a different story than percentages.
The speaker noted Stanton and Charlottesville as nearby comparisons, saying Stanton contributes roughly $7,000 per student while Charlottesville contributes nearly $18,000 per student (higher-income area), and urged a careful, holistic approach rather than an immediate formula change. The councilor invited public conversation and said staff are preparing for a joint discussion with the school board when the state budget picture stabilizes.
No formal action was taken on school funding during the meeting; the remarks were delivered as part of matters from council. The council member said they welcome questions from residents and would work with the school board on options that aim to maintain local affordability while supporting schools.
