Nelson County board removes bus funding restriction, approves $764,935 for schools

The Nelson County board voted to adopt a staff recommendation to remove a $600,000 restriction on bus spending and to retain a double appropriation for school nurse funds, providing $764,935 in additional operating funds for the school division.

A board member moved the measure, saying: "I'd like to move that the board adopt the staff recommendation to remove the restriction of $600,000 for the buses ... to provide $764,935 in additional operating funds." The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

Dr. Hester, identified in the board packet as school-division staff, told the board the school division faces staffing vacancies and program losses tied to state funding changes and asked the county to coordinate advocacy with state officials. "This is once again another frustrating time with the Commonwealth and their statewide budget," Dr. Hester said, urging local officials to press state lawmakers.

School staff also discussed bus needs and timing. Board discussion noted that four new buses ordered earlier were cited at about $611,000 total and will not enter production until November; staff said the state recommends a 15-year replacement cycle and reported a multi-year replacement plan of roughly four buses per year. The board and school staff agreed to hold off some purchases to keep flexibility while budgets are finalized.

Staff presented the budget impact of the action: current recurring revenue for FY27 was cited at approximately $1,100,000, with $566,649 of recurring funds already used in FY27; staff said that without further uses there would be roughly $1.6 million available in FY28. Board members discussed that removing the bus restriction would reduce the immediate burden on recurring revenue, and noted schools could still tap capital carryover funds if they chose to prioritize buses.

Board members and school staff said they plan additional outreach to state legislators; school staff noted a meeting with Sen. Deese was scheduled for the 22nd to advocate for school funding. Board discussion also referenced a 'hold harmless' amendment that officials said did not advance through appropriations.

The motion passed on a roll call; the record shows the chair called each name and recorded affirmative responses. The board did not list any recorded abstentions or no votes in the meeting record.

The board’s action directs staff to implement the appropriation changes identified in the motion. The board recessed later in the meeting and moved on to other FY27 budget items.