JCC Supervisors Give Schools Additional Funds

May 4, 2006

Dear School Supporters,

At the May 3 James City County Board of Supervisors budget work session it was revealed that the county received $900,000 credit from the Virginia Public School Authority--the issuer of bonds for school projects--because the interest rate was lower than anticipated.

Because the funds saved were related to school projects it would have been best if all the funds would have been put back into the schools. However, the supervisors agreed to use some of the funds (around $445,000) for another fire engine/pumper and the rest (around $455,000) were put into the schools capital budget for new buses needed when the 3rd high school and 8th elementary open. These additional funds for buses leave the schools about $253,000 short on its request for new buses, but the new money is certainly welcome.

(Additional revenue the schools may see from the state due to the "average daily membership" (ADM) of students being higher than expected that was also discussed will probably need to pay to utilities and fuel cost shortfalls in the current year.)

The operating budget is still about $777,000 short and the capital budget for existing schools is still $616,000 short (see the revised chart). The Board of Supervisors plans to adopt its budget on May 9 and then the WJC School Board will have to go back and cut items from its proposed operating budget.

When the "landbook"--the book providing the value of all the land in the county--comes in later this year there may be even more revenue available. In the recent past the supervisors have suggested that "excess revenue" realized when the landbook comes in could go to the schools. More buses could be funded at that time or other unfunded school capital projects.

Thanks to all of you who made you voices heard during the budget process. No doubt, you have made a difference.

It's not to late to encourage full funding if you have not already--who knows what other revenue might turn up--but also be sure to thank the supervisors for the effort they have made to reach that goal. CLICK HERE to send them a message.

Thank you for supporting our schools.

Mike Ludwick