Heather Michon
Editor
The Fluvanna County School Board approved a $60,387,459 operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday night (Feb. 18), a roughly $3.4 million increase — about 6% — over the current year.
The plan calls for a local funding request of $24,410,943, an increase of $620,727 from the county’s FY26 contribution.
The bulk of the overall growth comes from higher state revenues, with smaller increases in federal funds.
The budget includes a 3% salary increase for staff and absorbs a projected 9% increase in health insurance costs, holding employees harmless from premium hikes.
It also funds several new positions and program upgrades, including student support and attendance roles, a math interventionist, instructional aides, a speech-language pathologist, a half-time nurse, an HR/finance generalist, a maintenance position, a part-time transportation dispatcher, and additional athletic stipends.
Operating needs include technology upgrades, instructional tools, and other division-wide expenses.
Board member Sean Brennan (Columbia) praised staff for their work assembling the spending plan.
“This is sustainable growth for the future. This has been a phenomenal job,” Brennan said.
But not all members were convinced.
Charles Rittenhouse (Cunningham) opposed the budget, pointing to what he characterized as a $3 million increase despite declining enrollment.
“I don’t know how to justify that,” Rittenhouse said, noting that staffing has fallen by 33 positions and there are 18 fewer students in the system.
The motion ultimately passed on a voice vote.
In addition to the operating budget, the board approved a separate $2,482,925 cafeteria fund budget. The food service program, which operates under the federal Community Eligibility Provision and provides free meals to all students, is expected to receive about $300,000 in general fund support to offset rising food and labor costs.
School officials are scheduled to present the approved budget to the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25.
Bus Money
In other business, the School Board approved a plan to request reallocation of approximately $75,000 in capital funds originally set aside for school bus purchases to instead help acquire an 11-passenger activity van and a bucket truck for facilities work.
“We’ll never be able to buy a bus with $75,000,” said Superintendent Peter Gretz
Rather than allow the funds to remain unused, administrators recommended redirecting the money toward smaller-scale transportation and maintenance needs.
The activity van would be used to transport students for athletics and other school-related events. The bucket truck, likely to be purchased used, would support maintenance operations, allowing staff to perform more work in-house, including lighting, electrical, and exterior repairs.
Administrators said acquiring the equipment would improve operational efficiency, reduce the need for contracted services, and ensure the division has the tools needed to maintain aging facilities.
With the School Board’s approval, the administration can request the county government to allow them to reallocate the $75,000 these purchases.
FMS Track Upgrades
School officials also provided an update on ongoing improvements at Fluvanna Middle School, including upgrades to the outdoor track and surrounding facilities.
Donald Stribling said winter weather has delayed paving work, which requires sustained warmer temperatures to complete properly. With conditions improving, staff expect asphalt work to resume in March or April, with additional site work continuing into the spring and early summer months.
The project has included removing aging bleachers and improving exterior areas, including handrails, fencing, and restroom access.
Board members asked for confirmation that the final result would meet accessibility standards, and staff indicated the site would be ADA-compliant once completed.
School leaders said they are coordinating athletic schedules as construction continues, working to ensure meets and practices can proceed while allowing the contractor to complete the project properly.
The improvements are part of the division’s broader effort to address aging facilities and upgrade athletic infrastructure.
