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School-based clinicians warn of service loss after Hanover School Board cuts funding
Summary
Clinicians and CSB members told the Hanover County Community Services Board that elimination of School Based Services funding by the Hanover School Board risks client outcomes; the CSB plans further study and a March 2 work session to gather data and options.
Mary Butler Eggleston, chair of the Hanover County Community Services Board, welcomed school-based clinicians to the Feb. 23 meeting after the Hanover School Board voted to eliminate local funding for School Based Services. Several clinicians described “a day in the life” of their work in Hanover County schools and urged the CSB to press for continued support.
Sue Dibble, who represents the South Anna District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and spoke at the CSB meeting, said the School Board's action was "a conscience decision based on statistical data," and asserted the School Board believes it can continue providing services with existing supports. Board member Ryan Hudson said he wants to see the underlying statistical data to understand the decision.
Bret Schardein, representing CSB staff, said the agency is "retooling" School Based Services in response to the School Board action. Ed Gooding asked whether an impact study had been completed on the proposed reduction; Carol McDaid said the CSB Legislative Committee will prioritize the issue and seek support from the Board of Supervisors. Hudson proposed a March 2, 2026 work session to continue discussion and gather the requested information.
The discussion produced no final policy change at the meeting; board members and staff set a direction to compile data and return with options for the board and to coordinate legislative advocacy.
