Board approves school budget transfer over three ‘no’ votes

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a budget transfer to the schools on March 17, passing the motion 5–3 after public and board discussion about the timing and transparency of school funding figures. Supervisor Vega said her office had repeatedly requested unencumbered school fund figures and had not received a timely response, and that the transfer was being made under a revenue‑share policy enacted in 1998.

"I still do not have a response…every time we ask, there's a delayed response in getting those figures to us," Supervisor Vega said, and added she would not support the transfer. County Executive Shorter said he had shared the question with the superintendent and would follow up to provide the requested numbers prior to the schools' April 7 presentation. The clerk announced the motion passed 5–3; Supervisors Gordy, Vega and LaCroix voted no.

The exchange highlighted a recurring budget‑cycle tension over information flows between county offices and the school division and renewed calls by Supervisor Vega for a substantive review of the county‑school revenue‑share arrangement. The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting; the transfer was approved as presented.