Superintendent Dr. Keefer and CFO Renee Ewing presented a FY2027 budget that layers a 2% state-funded raise with additional local increases tied to a multi‑year pay study, funds special‑education and stipend adjustments, and leaves a projected $1.92 million gap that would require an above‑baseline local funding request if state aid does not increase.
Dr. Keefer reported WJCC graduation indicators above 90%, announced a $250,000 math innovation grant and a $60,000 acceleration grant, expanded student voice efforts and previewed redistricting tied to new pre-K campuses.
Administrators proposed a two‑year approach to adjust stipends identified as below market, cited a Bolton study for benchmarking, and recommended moving related services (SLPs, OTs, PTs, school psychologists, social workers) from 7-hour to 8-hour contracts at an estimated cost of $640,000.
School administrators presented turnover data and modeled pay scenarios—including a 2% baseline and a possible 3% unified-scale increase—asked the board to advance compensation study implementation and summarized staffing and stipend proposals totaling roughly $9 million in potential changes.
At its annual organizational meeting the Williamsburg-James City County School Board elected Andrea Donner as chair and Randy Riffle as vice chair for 2026, appointed Amy Chen as parliamentarian and confirmed clerk, deputy clerk and several committee and trustee appointments. The board also amended the 2026 meeting calendar to add a special-called personnel meeting.
Division staff explained the state’s Unified Accountability/School Performance and Support Framework, how cut scores and subgroup results drive federal identification, and described local supports; James River Elementary and Matthew Whaley Elementary were identified for targeted support for the students-with-disabilities subgroup.
Williamsburg-James City County Schools presented early results from a kindergarten orientation pilot at three elementary schools: staff surveys (52 responses) and 1,116 parent responses found about 70% parent satisfaction and roughly 60% reported increased child preparedness. Staff recommended reducing student experience days and expanding planning with parent representation.
School leaders presented a preliminary FY27 operating budget that relies on a $6 million local contribution baseline, modest state revenue increases, and several compensation scenarios as grant-funded positions shift into the operating budget.
WJCC’s Class of 2025 posted a Federal Graduation Indicator (FGI) of 91.2% and a cohort completion rate (CCR) of 96.9%; the division reported growth in AP enrollment, qualifying AP scores, CTE completers and industry credentials and presented student success stories from three high schools.
