The multi-million dollar question for W-JCC schools -- how much more will state pay?

Good morning. It's May 7. W-JCC schools have plans for additional state money they hope to get. FBI raids offices of State Sen. Louise Lucas.

By Brandy Centolanza

Williamsburg-James City County’s school board is moving toward its new budget with a $2.3 million dollar question mark still hanging – how much will the state’s final contribution be?

The difference is not insignificant, as Schools CFO Rene Ewing pointed out at the school board’s work session Wednesday evening.

The Virginia General Assembly is still hashing out the next state budget, which by law must begin July 1.

The House version raises the original funding provided by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin by an additional $3.6 million. The Senate’s version provides an additional $1.3 million.

The proposed school budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, is nearly $119 million. James City County, which has the majority of students in the system, is paying the greatest share at $104.5 million. The City of Williamsburg will pay $14.4 million.

School superintendent Daniel Keever told the school board he would like to use any additional funding from the state to cover its “above and beyond” budget requests, which includes $440,000 for extra staff and $320,000 for special education related services.

The extra money would also pay the $225,000 estimated cost of making lacrosse a varsity sport, after an intensive campaign from players and their parents earlier this year asking for support for the sport.

Ewing said the schools should have a little over $2 million left over from the current budget, which will be used to create a health care reserve fund to offset rapidly rising health costs.

Health care costs are expected to increase by 16% this coming year.

Board members also heard a lengthy update on the Elevate ’28 Strategic Plan during the work session.

All capital improvement projects remain on track, Keever said.

Among the work being done is phase I of the HVAC replacement at Matthew Whaley Elementary School; lighting replacement at Berkely Middle School; design work for the Cooley Field turf project; installation of solar panels at Central Office as well as four schools, and construction of Bright Beginnings preschool facilities at Clara Byrd Baker and Norge elementary schools.

Keever said those buildings, are 36% complete and on track to open in fall 2027.

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