Botetourt County Public Schools officials presented a proposed $97.8 million budget for fiscal year 2027 during an April 9 Budget Subcommittee meeting, detailing rising costs, staffing needs and shifting state funding formulas ahead of a scheduled presentation to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors later this month.
The proposal, presented by Financial Director Brandon Lee, Superintendent Dr. Janet Womack, and Director of Operations Andy DeWease, reflects a total increase of about $7.18 million, or 7.9%, over the current fiscal year budget (FY2026).
The largest portion of the budget, the general operating fund, would increase by $7.78 million, driven primarily by compensation adjustments, health insurance increases and operational costs.
School officials said compensation and benefits remain the most significant cost drivers. The proposed budget includes more than $2.2 million for salary adjustments and nearly $2.4 million for health insurance increases. Additional operational pressures include fuel, utilities and maintenance costs.
The plan also calls for adding 10 positions across the division, including instructional assistants, maintenance staff, a mechanic and a special education teacher, as well as adjustments to several existing roles.
A key factor discussed during the presentation was the impact of Virginia’s Local Composite Index, which measures a locality’s ability to fund education. As Botetourt County’s index has risen in recent years, state funding has not kept pace with local needs, increasing the financial responsibility on the county.
According to data presented at the meeting, the county’s composite index will rise to 0.4192 for the 2026-28 cycle, continuing a long-term upward trend.
Enrollment projections also show a slight decline, with total student population expected to decrease to 4,282 in fiscal year 2026-27.
Despite that decline, officials noted that staffing and operational demands remain steady due to program requirements and facility needs. Several school buildings in the division are more than 50 years old, contributing to ongoing maintenance and capital improvement costs.
The proposed budget includes a county funding request of approximately $14.6 million, combining $4.89 million for general operations and $9.72 million for capital improvements.
State revenue projections remain uncertain, with differences between the governor’s, House and Senate budget proposals. School officials said they used a midpoint estimate of about $2.89 million in additional state funding when developing the budget.
School Board Chair Anna Weddle, speaking at the board’s April 10 regular meeting, emphasized the importance of community involvement as the process moves forward.
“I also would like to say thank you to all of the educators, PTA presidents, parents, and community members who came out to support our school budget,” Weddle said. “Your presence made it clear to the county that education is a top priority in this community.”
Weddle added that continued public engagement will be critical in the coming weeks.
“We’ll need everyone to continue support throughout this budget process and in the years ahead,” she added. “So please stay engaged … and follow Dr. Womack’s lead by remaining positive, grateful, and committed to advocating for our schools.”
The proposed budget is scheduled to be presented to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors at its April 28 meeting. County leaders will ultimately determine funding levels as part of the county’s overall budget adoption process.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
