Warren County School Officials Present Budget Priorities to Board of Supervisors

At a recent joint work session, Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) officials presented early budget priorities to the Board of Supervisors, highlighting areas of urgent need as planning begins for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget cycle.

The November 13 meeting provided an opportunity for both boards to discuss funding challenges, instructional updates, and staffing concerns ahead of the formal budget process.

Near the start of the work session, Interim Superintendent Dr. J. David Martin introduced Dr. Troy Wright, the recently selected system’s soon-to-be permanent superintendent. However, he referred to him as Dr. Tony Wright. “They’re both ‘T-words’,” Martin explained of his missed first name call, drawing some laughter, including from the unanimously appointed Dr. Wright, taking notes at one of the Diversified Minds meeting room’s auxiliary tables.

Chairing the meeting, Acting Superintendent Martin emphasized that the school division is focused on addressing the academic and social-emotional needs of students. He outlined a vision centered on providing a complete educational experience and supporting student success beyond the classroom.

One of the primary concerns discussed was the need for updated instructional materials, particularly in math and social studies.

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Heather Bragg told supervisors that many current resources are outdated or depleted, especially in elementary and middle school classrooms. The division has been using consumable workbooks that are no longer viable for another academic year. At one point, it was noted that the school system’s last purchase of history books was made in 2012. She said the division is seeking to adopt new materials aligned with Virginia’s learning standards and structured to build student understanding across grade levels. The estimated cost for the new math curriculum alone exceeds $300,000.

In addition to instructional needs, staffing and compensation remain key challenges for the division. Director of Personnel Rachel Drake noted that WCPS continues to face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified educators and support staff. She explained that while salary remains important, competitive health benefits and other forms of employee support are increasingly significant in attracting candidates.

The school division currently uses a self-insured health plan, meaning it is directly responsible for covering employee health claims rather than purchasing commercial insurance. Drake explained that while the model can reduce long-term costs, it requires careful fiscal planning and healthy reserve balances to cover unexpected or high-cost claims.

Deputy Director of Finance and Human Resources Kendall Poe provided a breakdown of the school system’s overall expenditures, noting that approximately 85% of the General Fund is committed to salaries and benefits. She said that even when enrollment remains relatively flat, the cost of serving students continues to rise, particularly in special education and other support services.

Poe addressed a common public perception that the division ends each fiscal year with unspent funds. She clarified that most of this carryover is already obligated for specific purposes, such as approved maintenance projects, instructional materials, or initiatives delayed due to staffing shortages.

Throughout the presentation, school leaders emphasized that their budget requests are driven by documented student needs and aimed at sustaining existing programs rather than creating new ones unnecessarily. They also indicated a commitment to improving communication with county leaders and the public about where funds are directed and why.

“These are needs, not wishes,” Interim Superintendent Martin told County officials.

The work session concluded with an agreement to continue discussions as the budget process progresses. A follow-up meeting is expected to take place early next year.

School Board member Melanie Salins was absent from the meeting.