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Superintendent warns Nottoway faces roughly $500,000 local funding increase as composite index rises
Summary
Nottoway County schools’ superintendent told supervisors the local composite index will increase next biennium (from 0.2696 to 0.2820), potentially shifting roughly $500,000 more in local funding responsibility onto the county; he also highlighted significant reading gains on the VALS assessment.
Dr. Martin, superintendent of Nottoway County Public Schools, briefed the board on fiscal pressure from a rising local composite index and on student reading assessment gains.
Dr. Martin said the composite index—used by the state to calculate local effort—will shift the county’s share upward in the 2026–28 cycle. "Nottoway has to move from 0.2696 to 0.2820 in the next cycle," he said, and added that the change could mean roughly a $500,000 increase in local contribution. He warned that if the county does not provide required local effort, state funding could be reduced, which the school division would not be able to absorb.
On student performance, Dr. Martin credited local investments with measurable improvements: 27.5% of students improved on the VALS reading assessment year‑to‑year, the low‑risk reading band increased from 16% to 26%, and the high‑risk band dropped from 47% to 37%. He asked supervisors for continued partnership to fund programs, capital needs and interventions that sustain those gains.
Board members asked questions about funding sources (lottery, ANTC funding) and about the new state school construction assistance program; Dr. Martin noted the assistance program includes no local match for state dollars but the state covers only 30% of projects and localities must supply the remainder for major building projects.
Next steps: the board scheduled a joint meeting (December 8) with school officials to continue budget discussions.
