Amelia County Schools present FY26 budget, request minimum local match to secure state aid

School officials presented the Amelia County Public Schools proposed fiscal 2026 budget and asked the Board of Supervisors to provide the minimum local funding required to secure the full state share. The presentation said state calculation tools and the school system’s ADM projections are aligned and warned that federal program changes could still affect final numbers.

The presenters described several concrete changes in next year’s plan: state staffing standards will require three English‑learner teachers in FY26, up from one in FY24 and two in FY25; the budget includes a proposed 4% increase to the salary scale; and the district added new positions (an additional EL teacher, a speech‑language pathologist, CTE teachers, mentorship positions and limited clerical support) that staff estimated at approximately $404,800 in total. The presenter also noted funding for two replacement school buses and an emphasis on maintaining safe, clean buildings, stronger student supports and teacher retention.

On per‑pupil spending, the presenter said the budgeted K‑12 per‑pupil expenditure at the required local effort and match figure is $16,008.57. The school representative said the governor’s and legislature’s changes are mostly positive for local schools but that local match requirements rise with the composite index and may increase the locality’s share of some costs.

Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment and the timeline for when state and federal allocations will be final. Staff said the school board had already held its public hearing and that the county can expect additional budget work sessions and opportunities to ask for department‑level details before formal adoption.