Warren County School Board Discusses Weather Make-Up Days, Community Engagement, and Budget Plans

The Warren County School Board held a comprehensive work session on January 22. The session addressed a range of topics, including calendar changes for weather-related closures, community partnerships, updates on student engagement programs, and a preview of the 2025-2026 budget. The discussions emphasized meeting state requirements, supporting students and staff, and prioritizing transparency and public involvement as budget season approaches.

Calendar Adjustments to Meet State Hour Requirements

The board approved updates to the 2024-2025 school calendar following recent weather-related closures to ensure compliance with Virginia’s 990-hour instructional mandate. Presidents’ Day (February 17) and Easter Monday (April 21) were converted into regular school days to recover lost hours. Superintendent Christopher Ballenger highlighted the importance of maintaining these adjustments before state-mandated SOL testing.

The board also designated May 23 and May 27-30 as potential make-up days in case of further closures while preserving Spring Break to minimize disruption for families.

While the state has not issued waivers for missed days this year, Ballenger explained that such waivers are typically only granted during declared states of emergency.

Supporting Student Safety and Engagement

Sergeant Kristin Hajduk provided updates on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, reporting a decline in incidents from 38 in October to 14 in November and 19 in December. Cases included a student-reported incident of sexual extortion and the possession of a pocketknife that did not meet legal criteria for charges.

Hajduk also shared progress in student engagement initiatives, including the Police Athletic League (PALS) and the Explorer Program. The Explorer Program, aimed at fostering positive relationships between students and law enforcement, has garnered significant interest, with six students attending its first meeting.

“It’s encouraging to see students eager to connect with programs like these,” Hajduk said. “It builds trust and strengthens our school communities.”

Staffing and Substitute Progress

Representatives Andrew Hall and Jon Smith from ESS, the district’s substitute staffing partner, shared positive updates on substitute teacher fill rates, which improved from 61% in December 2023 to 85% in December 2024. Recruitment and community engagement efforts were credited for this success.

With an annual substitute budget of $823,177, the district has spent $449,000 halfway through the school year, signaling that staffing efforts are yielding results.

Community Partnerships and Student Opportunities

Updates on the district’s long-range plan showcased how partnerships with local organizations like the Warren Coalition, Rotary Club, and area businesses have enhanced events such as literacy nights and vocational training. The Blue Ridge Technical Center (BRTC) is preparing for a hiring event in April, connecting students with employers like Valley Health and Luck Stone.

Board members urged the district to track data such as event attendance, volunteer hours, and financial contributions from community partners to measure the impact of these initiatives.

The board also approved the $50,000 sale of a modular home built by BRTC students, allowing the carpentry program to begin a new project. “This sale is a testament to our students’ hard work,” said BRTC instructor Mr. Gregg.

Budget Challenges and Priorities for 2025-2026

A significant portion of the meeting focused on preparing for the 2025-2026 budget, with Superintendent Ballenger presenting proposed adjustments to school funding, staffing, and resources.

Equalizing Non-Labor School Funding

Ballenger proposed a new per-student funding model to address disparities in non-labor budgets across schools. Starting in 2025-2026, funding will be allocated at $125 per elementary student, $215 per middle school student, and $240 per high school student. The changes reflect inflation and ensure consistency in funding for items like classroom supplies and maintenance.

“Some schools have been operating on outdated budgets for over a decade,” Ballenger said. “This plan provides fairness and ensures that funding keeps pace with rising costs.”

Interventionists and Reading Support

The board discussed the fate of 21 interventionist positions currently funded by federal CARES Act dollars, which are set to expire. These interventionists have played a crucial role in implementing the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), providing reading support to 527 K-3 students on intervention plans.

With the VLA set to expand to grades 4-8 next year, Ballenger emphasized the importance of retaining these positions to support both teachers and students. Board Member Melanie Salins called retaining interventionists a “high priority,” noting the program’s positive impact on schools.

Long-Term Textbook Planning

The board examined the need for a sustainable textbook purchasing plan to prevent reliance on temporary funds like the CARES Act. Ballenger proposed transferring state textbook funds to a dedicated account, ensuring resources are available for upcoming math and social studies adoptions, which could cost $600,000 to $800,000 each.

“This approach guarantees that we can provide students with the tools they need without scrambling for funds,” Ballenger said.

Salary Scale Updates

Human Resources Director Amy Drake presented salary adjustments aimed at improving equity and transparency. Key changes included:

• Instructional Assistants: Starting pay increased to $18,683 annually, with a compressed 20-year scale.
• Bus Drivers: Work hours increased to 5 hours daily, with pay adjusted accordingly.
• Speech Therapists: Masters-level pay incorporated into base salaries to reflect credential requirements.

“These updates help us stay competitive while ensuring employees are fairly compensated,” Drake said.

Public Input Welcomed

The board encouraged residents to attend the February 5 budget hearing to share their priorities before the superintendent’s proposed budget is presented on February 19.

“February is the time to speak up,” Salins said. “By June, it’s too late to influence the process.”

As the district navigates challenges ranging from funding to staffing, board members reiterated their commitment to making data-driven decisions and maintaining transparency throughout the process.

The next board meeting will focus on further budget planning and updates on key initiatives.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of January 22, 2025. Video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.