Buckingham school board approves $758,893 budget amendment after ADM shortfall

The Buckingham County School Board voted unanimously to approve a fiscal‑year 2025‑26 budget amendment that staff recorded at a $758,893 net adjustment to the division’s current budget.

Superintendent (S7), who presented the amendment, said the changes reflect the division’s final March 31 average daily membership (ADM) and recent state budget actions. "So we are requesting approval of this adjustment this evening, and once approved, I will be presenting this to the Board of Supervisors on April 20 for adjustment as well," the superintendent said.

Staff told the board the division’s March 31 ADM fell short of the budgeted figure (a loss of 83 students compared with the adopted ADM of 1,725), which lowered some state funding lines and required the adjustment. The presentation noted a reduction of roughly $1,000,457 in state SOQ funding tied to the ADM decline, offset in part by increases elsewhere: a $213,750 increase in incentive program funding related to the SOQ position bonus and other state and federal grant adjustments. Federal funds were reported to increase by about $597,203 due to carryovers and awards, and the cafeteria fund was adjusted separately.

The board also discussed a state‑authorized $1,500 position bonus for contracted employees (and $750 for non‑contracted employees). Staff indicated the division will request a local match of $301,582 from the Board of Supervisors to fully fund the local share of that bonus.

A motion to approve the amendment was made and seconded; the vote was recorded as unanimous and the motion carried. Staff will forward the approved amendment package to the Board of Supervisors for county action.