WJC Schools Budget Final

5/24/06

Dear School Supporters,

The James City County Board of Supervisors adopted its budget and in response the WJC School Board adjusted its budget. The final breakdown is attached.

In short, the School Board received nearly everything it requested from the county and city! If you have not already, thank your county supervisors and city council members! CLICK HERE to send them a message.

The School Board increased its revenue projections from the state by $256,125 by increasing the "average daily membership" (ADM) projection of the number of students that will be enrolled next year. This reduced the budget shortfall to $1.1 million. The School Board also increased its estimate of savings it would see due to retirements of senior teachers and staff which reduced the shortfall another $100,000. To make up for the rest, the School Board made cuts in technology, operations, academic affairs and school buses.

However, due to additional FY06 sales tax revenue from the county and city provided earlier in the year ($593,693), and additional funds from the state in FY06 due to a higher ADM than expected, and funds unspent from FY06, the School Board may be able to fund most of what was reduced in the operating budget. This is wonderful news!

In the capital improvement plan (CIP) there remains a $616,000 shortfall in projects at existing schools. Several projects were delayed: HVAC replacement at Clara Byrd Baker and DJ Montague, the resurfacing and expansion of the Norge parking lot, renovation of the career and technical building at Lafayette (the "900 building"), and the replacement of the media system at Jamestown.

The shortfall for new school buses in the CIP to expand the fleet is now only $253,000, thanks to additional funds provided by the supervisors.

While there may appear to be a shortfall for new facilities in the CIP because funds for the 9th elementary were moved back a year, the projected opening date remains the same. Funding for the multipurpose building was moved back, but it is unclear at this time exactly what the School Board plans to do with this building.

Thank you again for voicing your support for our schools during the budget process! No doubt, your advocacy efforts made an impact.

Despite the various controversies, please continue to support our schools for the good of all the children so they can receive the best education possible.

Mike Ludwick