Will Warren County Fully Fund Its Schools? Budget Moves to Board of Supervisors

Teachers, parents, and students packed the room at the Warren County School Board meeting on March 5, passionately urging full funding for the proposed $76.1 million school budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget, which represents a $3.2 million increase over the current year, aims to provide salary raises, additional staffing, and critical classroom resources. While the board unanimously approved the proposal, concerns over funding shortfalls, teacher retention, and rising costs fueled an intense discussion about the future of the county’s education system.

Teachers and Parents Push for Competitive Salaries and Resources

During the public comment period, educators shared personal stories about the growing challenges they face due to underfunding. Many teachers expressed frustration over stagnant wages, limited classroom resources, and increasing workloads.

Nancy Lewis, a math teacher at Skyline High School, described how attitudes toward the teaching profession have changed over her two decades in education.

“Twenty years ago, students dreamed of becoming teachers,” she said. “Now, when I ask them, they say no—because of the disrespect.”

Brianna McHugh, a teacher who moved to Warren County with her family, shared that she and her husband took a five-figure pay cut to work in the district. She warned that low salaries could continue to drive talented educators elsewhere.

“If we don’t offer competitive pay, we’re going to keep losing teachers to counties that do,” she said.

Teachers also described the strain on resources. Megan Budd, both an educator and a parent, warned that schools were running out of basic supplies.

“Some schools are out of paper, and teachers are already spending their own money on classroom materials,” she said. “If this budget isn’t fully funded, things will only get worse.”

The need for additional staffing was another major concern. Parents and students pleaded for a second agriculture teacher at Skyline High School, citing the popularity of the FFA program and the burden placed on the current teacher.

“There are kids on waitlists for agriculture courses,” said Abby Ford, whose son Bobby found his passion for veterinary science through the program. “These students are being denied opportunities simply because we don’t have enough staff.”

School Board Weighs Funding Concerns and Tax Implications

Although the school board ultimately approved the proposed budget, the decision followed a heated debate over whether the county could afford the additional $4.2 million in local funding. The final vote was split, with Antoinette Funk, Andrea Lo, and Kristen Pence supporting the budget, while Melanie Salins and Tom McFadden opposed it.

Some board members expressed concerns that requesting too much additional funding could backfire, potentially leading the Board of Supervisors to reject the request outright and leaving the school system without critical resources. They cautioned that a more conservative approach might increase the chances of securing at least some of the needed funds.

However, others maintained that the school board’s primary responsibility is to advocate for students and teachers, rather than preemptively scaling back requests based on what the county might approve. They stressed that it is up to the Board of Supervisors to determine how to allocate funds, while the school board must clearly communicate the district’s financial needs.

Some also suggested presenting multiple budget scenarios, including an ideal budget, a middle-ground option, and a bare-minimum version. This, they argued, would give the Board of Supervisors a clearer picture of the consequences of different funding levels and allow them to make a more informed decision.

Teacher Retention a Growing Concern

A key concern during the discussion was the ongoing challenge of retaining teachers in Warren County. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Ballenger explained that the state has allocated funds for a 3% teacher raise, but those funds are contingent on the county providing a matching contribution. Without local support, the district risks falling further behind in salary competitiveness compared to neighboring areas.

Board members also pointed out that Warren County spends less per student than nearby districts, even though the state has determined the county has the ability to invest more in its schools. They emphasized that increased funding could help address teacher shortages and improve overall educational quality.

The discussion highlighted the need not only to attract qualified educators but also to ensure they remain in the district. Without better pay and working conditions, officials warned that keeping experienced teachers will continue to be a challenge. One educator noted that while there is often a push to recruit new teachers, it is just as important to support those already serving the county’s students.

Student Successes Showcased Amid Budget Debate

Despite the serious discussions about funding and retention, the meeting also celebrated student achievements. Dr. Ballenger highlighted several recent accomplishments, including Skyline High School’s historic wrestling championship and the success of Warren County High School’s DECA students at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

“Twelve of our students have qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando,” Ballenger announced. “That’s an incredible achievement.”

Additionally, he noted that the Blue Ridge Arts Council will showcase student artwork on March 20, providing a public opportunity to celebrate local student talent.

Next Steps: Advocacy and County Approval

The school board’s approved budget now heads to the Warren County Board of Supervisors, who will decide final funding levels. Several board members encouraged teachers and parents to continue advocating for full funding.

“The supervisors are not mind readers,” Pence said. “If we don’t make them aware of our needs, they can’t plan for the financial well-being of our schools.”

Dr. Ballenger stressed that community support will be key in securing the necessary funding.

“If we want to attract and retain great teachers, provide academic support for students, and keep up with rising costs, we have to make the investment,” he said.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to hold public hearings in the coming months before making a final decision on school funding later this spring.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of March 5, 2025.