New Kent School superintendent recommends $51 million budget for FY2024-25

As New Kent County continues to grow in population, so does the enrollment in the school system. And the result of that growth has led to a proposed budget that tops $50 million.

New Kent Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols and Director of Finance Haynie Morgheim recommended a budget of $51,145,884 for the FY2024-25 year. That number is approximately 11.01 percent more than the current year’s adopted budget of $46,075,167.

The budget is based on an average daily membership (ADM) of 3,500 students. An increase in the Local Composite Index from .4244 to .4391 also means the locality will be responsible for more funding. Nichols expects additional state revenue of $1,516,962 due to the expected increase in student population. The school system is requesting an additional $3 million for the school’s general operating funds.

Among adjustments in the upcoming budget is accounting for a two-percent mid-year salary adjustment ($604,826) and personnel amendments ($180,090). Approximately $944,901, which is a three-percent increase, will be dedicated to salary increases, with another $179,285 proposed to cover healthcare increases. The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) rate is expected to save $228,027 for the school system.

Top costs in operations for the schools including upgrades of technology which includes new Chromebook and an updated four-year lease for the one-to-one initiative ($416,692), maintenance and custodial services ($145,422), and other administrative operating expenses and supplies ($50,663).

Approximately $1,815,560 is being requested in new positions. Among the new personnel requests include three elementary school resource teachers, two secondary math teachers, a new high school assistant principal, a maintenance supervisor, two elementary school teachers, and a math and Spanish teacher at the secondary level. Additional funding is being requested to address four positions being shifted to the general fund as those positions were supported through ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding, along with eight stipends for after-school activities.

The school’s recommended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) carries a recommended price tag of $3.83 million. Among major projects include HVAC replacement at New Kent Middle School ($1.5 million), the purchase of five school buses ($720,000), the third phase of high school roof replacement ($495,000), and districtwide lighting at New Kent High School ($425,000).

District 4 representative Ron Vaught spoke about the need for the county’s financial support.

“I know I will be advocating for the $3 million from the county,” Vaught said. “I know that this money will be used to assist decompression. The funding the county provides for this will be a long-term fix for teacher’s salaries, something that is needed.”

The proposed budget will be presented to New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors on Mar. 11, with a retreat and discussion with the board on Mar. 15. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Mar. 18.