Taxpayers invited to weigh in on W-JCC schools budget, York County budget tonight
Good morning! Today we'll discuss several public hearings on local budgets you can attend.
Taxpayers get a chance to comment tonight on the upcoming budget for Williamsburg-James City County schools.
York County residents will also have an opportunity to give their opinions on the county’s proposed budget tonight.
The school system is looking at a $200.5 million budget for next year, but just how much the schools will actually have to work with is uncertain because the new Democratic controlled legislature and administration might change the state’s contribution.
Based on the budget proposed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia would contribute $81.55 million to the school budget year that starts July 1.
Williamsburg and James City County taxpayers would pay an additional $118.95 million. Because of its larger school population, James City County pays 88% of the local component.
The estimated revenue would increase school funding by 6% over current spending.
At their last work session a week ago, board members expressed approval for pay raises for teachers and staff, and for adding more employees, which could potentially increase the budget by $9 million.
School system spending per pupil, including food service and grants, has risen from $11,831 in 2018 to $18,030 per pupil this year, according to school budget documents.
Despite the budget increases, pass rates for third graders on the Standards of Learning tests have dropped from a 73% pass rate in 2018 to 67% last year.
The schools have focused on increasing this score. Third grade reading is considered a key indicator of a student’s future success, because that is the time when reading is used for learning other subject matter.
The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 tonight in the Berkeley Middle School auditorium, 1118 Ironbound Rd.
Other meetings taking place this week:
Williamsburg:
The planning commission gets a look at the city’s proposed capital improvement plan for the next five years. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 3 p.m. Stryker Center.
Economic Development Authority. Wednesday, Jan. 21. 3 p.m. Room 127 of the Stryker Center.
Williamsburg Area Arts Commission. Wednesday Jan. 21. 9 a.m. 401 Lafayette St., 2d floor large conference room.
York County:
Board of Supervisors will hold a public forum on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. The regular meeting begins Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. York Hall Board Room. The budget session is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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Passings
Audrey Francis Alden, 93, January 17.
Lena Possich Stone, 82, January 16.
Cynthia Marie Strelecky, 70, January 16.
Roy Whittington Mitchell, 85, January 14.
Marilyn Pulse Tuttle, 90, January 14.