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Amelia County Schools present FY26 budget; district flags state staffing changes and a 4% pay proposal
Summary
Amelia County Public Schools presented a FY26 budget that aligns state calculations with local projections, proposes a 4% overall salary-scale increase, and flags a state-driven rise in required English Learner staffing to three teachers by FY26. The division told the board it will request the minimum local match needed to secure state funding while federal program impacts remain uncertain.
An official representing Amelia County Public Schools presented the division's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and told the board the state's calculation tools and the division's ADM projections are aligned.
"It's our pleasure to present the Amelia County Public Schools proposed budget for fiscal year 26," the presenter said, and staff explained the packet had already been reviewed by the school board and at a public hearing. The presentation emphasized three priorities identified in a new community and staff survey: safe and clean buildings, competitive teacher pay and attention to student/staff mental health.
The budget includes a proposed 4% increase to the salary scale. The presenter described state requirements that will raise mandated staffing for English Learner students: the division had one dedicated EL teacher in FY24, two in FY25 and must reach at least three in FY26 per the state's new standard. The division said there is some state funding for that increase but cautioned state funding does not always cover the full local cost.
Staff also proposed adding several positions to meet program needs — including an EL teacher, a speech-language pathologist, CTE teachers and mentorship and clerical support — and building two replacement school buses into the FY26 expenditure plan rather than relying on carryover. The presenter said roughly 70% of the school division's funds are spent on direct instruction.
The schools' team asked the county to provide the required local effort and local match to receive the state share; officials said they would monitor pending federal program changes and notify the board if those affect funding. The board did not take a formal vote on the school budget at the workshop and staff offered to return with additional detail in follow-up sessions.
