Williamsburg-James City County Schools leaders hope to get $1.9 million more than what’s currently expected in state and local funding for fiscal year 2027.
County and city officials, however, said at a joint meeting with the school board on Friday that they’re hopeful that Virginia will kick in more to schools to cover the request.
WJCC Superintendent Daniel Keever proposed a more than $200 million operating budget for the next school year, which Williamsburg and James City County leaders have to OK as they plan theirs
The draft budget is built around more than $10 million in expected new revenue: a projected $4.6 million state increase and a more than $6 million bump the city and county agreed to in a funding contract signed in October.
That funding covers an estimated 16% jump in health insurance costs; more money for career and technical education for students attending New Horizons Regional Education Center; 4.5% to 5% raises on average for teachers, which would put the division among the highest-paying of its neighbors.
But the division wants another $1.9 million for more behavioral support staff and security officers, to increase special education support staff’s hours and to add a new JROTC program and make lacrosse an official sport.
The request, though, comes as the city and county are still in their budget-making processes. Both boards will discuss next year’s finances at their respective retreats next week. The legislature is also expected to have budget proposals ready by Feb. 22, which will give localities a better understanding of what to expect.
Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons said he hopes the localities could fill the need if state money doesn’t play out, “but things are tight.”
County leaders are also anxious about bills allowing public employees to vote to begin collectively bargaining without an OK from them could mean for their finances. The WJCC School Board denied staff requests to collectively bargain in 2024.
School Board Chair Andrea Donnor said the board’s current posture is to “advocate, watch, see and understand” as the bills move through the General Assembly.
WJCC Schools is a member of HRETA, which owns WHRO’s broadcast license.
