The Rockbridge County School Board updated the public on its budget progress last week at a public hearing and at its monthly meeting. School officials discussed the fiscal year 2026 budget, highlighting ongoing financial uncertainties, rising costs, and potential state funding changes.
The district’s $39.68 million proposed operating budget is primarily allocated to instruction (72.2%), with the remainder covering administration, transportation, operations, facilities, and technology. Expected revenue sources include state funding (49.2%), local funding (46.1%), and smaller contributions from tuition and other sources.
However, without a finalized state budget, district officials stressed that these numbers remain estimates. The state’s share of a planned 3% raise for instructional staff is included in both House and Senate budget proposals, but the local government must contribute to fully fund it. The expected split is roughly 55% local, 45% state.
Superintendent Dr. Phillip Thompson noted that addressing competitive salaries, affordable health insurance, and inflationary costs remain the district’s top budget priorities.
One major concern is health care costs, which are expected to rise by 19%. The district is working with brokers to negotiate a lower rate. Last year, a proposed 30% increase from Aetna led the Board to switch providers to Local Choice, which it believes remains the best option.
Jason Kirby, the district’s director of finance, shared positive developments from the House and Senate budget proposals, including the removal of a cap on support staff. The cap has been in place since the 2008 recession, and making this change would add $222.9 million in direct aid statewide; though Rockbridge County would receive only a small portion, it represents a significant shift in funding priorities.
The House and Senate also proposed an additional $52.8 million in statewide special education funding, as well as $1,000 instructional staff bonuses.
Kirby expressed optimism that the state budget process is progressing more smoothly than in past years, with lawmakers closer to agreement at this stage than in previous cycles. However, the final funding picture remains uncertain.
With a March 31 deadline to submit the budget to the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors, the School Board will continue refining its proposal based on evolving state funding details.
