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West Point schools ask town for $295,882 after state aid tied to 3% pay raise
Summary
West Point school officials presented a FY2026 budget based on an ADM of 805 and said $196,582 in new state funds require a 3% pay increase, leaving a $295,882 request from the town; the mayor also outlined $1,596,982 in CARES/ARPA funds used since 2022.
Dr. Larry Frazier Jr., the West Point Schools superintendent, told a joint meeting of the West Point Town Council and School Board on March 4 that the proposed FY2026 school budget is based on an Average Daily Membership of 805 and includes a 3% salary increase for teachers. He said the state’s new funding — $196,582 — is contingent on providing that raise and that the school board will "hold staff harmless of any increased health insurance cost."
The superintendent told councilors the state budget cleared the Virginia General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature, and that ADM will be officially locked on March 31, 2025. Total funding priorities for the schools amount to $492,464; after subtracting the $196,582 in new state funds, Dr. Frazier said the schools are requesting a $295,882 increase in local funds.
Councilor Jeffrey Cole asked how funding for tuition‑paying students is calculated. Dr. Frazier said the number of tuition students has "had a slow increase" and that the schools receive a basic state assistance of $8,442.00 per student; he added the state increased that per‑student amount by $200 last year and reported no pushback.
Councilor Allen White asked whether the district caps the daily attendance count for tuition students. Dr. Frazier replied, "no, we do not have a cap," and said new homes being built in town are contributing to a rise in tuition‑paying students.
Mayor Joshua T. "Jack" Lawson also presented a spreadsheet showing CARES and ARPA funds the town has received and directed toward school projects. He said the document was provided for information to illustrate funds that were not part of the regular FY budget; since 2022, the town has used $1,596,982 in additional funds on school projects.
No formal vote on local funding was recorded in the minutes provided; the school ADM and the governor’s approval of the state budget are the next steps that will affect the final local funding decision.
