Buckingham County School Board approves grants, modest adult-meal price increase and transportation fuel bids

The Buckingham County School Board voted unanimously to approve a package of grant applications, routine procurement items and a small increase in adult meal prices during its regular meeting.

Director of Instruction Christine Janssen informed the board the division’s Virginia Preschool Initiative allocation rose from 46 to 85 slots, a change she said will increase state reimbursement that can support other Title-funded services. The board also approved the revised 2023–2028 gifted plan, which Janssen said includes membership and date updates.

Patrick Moore, director of technology, asked the board to adopt the annual Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) grant reimbursement resolution; Moore described it as unchanged from prior years and the board approved it so the division can use the program next year.

The board approved two federal grant applications. Melissa Haynes, director of student services, said the Title I, Part A “Improving Basic Programs” grant supports academic achievement for pre-K–5 and pays for additional teachers, paraprofessionals, reading specialists, math interventionists and family engagement. Haynes added that applications are based on prior-year allocations and that preliminary reports indicating additional funds are not guarantees. She also described the Title IV, Part A student support and academic enrichment grant, noting past uses including Alt-Ed paraprofessional support, a STEAM summer camp and outpatient therapy provided through South Central Counseling Group; the board approved both applications for submission.

JB Heslip, director of facilities and food service, explained the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) formula that governs adult-meal pricing and recommended raising adult lunch from $4.75 to $4.90 and breakfast from $2.75 to $2.85 to cover non-reimbursable costs. Vice Chair (speaker 4) moved the price change and it passed unanimously.

Heslip also outlined a proposed security equipment grant to update high-school door-lock systems and replace aging cameras at the primary and pre-K levels; the division plans to apply for an 80/20 reimbursement grant in August and said matching funds are included in the facilities budget. The board authorized submitting the grant application.

Ronnie Palmore, director of transportation, recommended approval of the 2025–26 fuel bids; Palmore said diesel and unleaded fuel came in roughly $0.20–$0.30 per gallon cheaper than last year while propane increased. The board approved the recommended fuel contracts.

Wendy Oliver, director of finance, asked the board to accept the letter of engagement from Robertson Farmer Cox Associates to audit the FY25 school activity fund; she said the firm plans to audit the week of July 14–21 and will deliver a report to the board. Oliver said the formal letter had not yet arrived but asked for permission to sign on the board’s behalf when it is received; the board accepted the engagement.

The board also set its 2025–26 reorganizational meeting for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Buckingham Middle School cafeteria and noted VSBA policy updates provided in the meeting packet for first reading.

Quotes cited in this report are taken verbatim from the meeting transcript and attributed to the named presenters and board members above.

The board concluded the agenda after brief committee updates and a discussion of calendar alignment with Governor's School schedules; there were no public commenters signed up for this meeting.