NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—The Albemarle County School Board has finalized its 2025-26 Funding Request, prioritizing competitive employee compensation, student learning, and school safety while addressing financial challenges driven by inflation, rising healthcare costs, enrollment growth, and reductions in state funding under Virginia’s public school funding formula. On Monday, March 17, 2025, the School Board presented its request to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, outlining its funding priorities and fiscal challenges for the year ahead.
“This needs-based funding request represents more than just financial figures—it represents our commitment to ensuring every student has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Dr. Kate Acuff, School Board Chair and Jack Jouett District representative.
School Fund Revenues, which support daily operations for Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS), are projected at $284 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, including an additional $2.8 million from a local government transfer announced after the Draft Funding Request was presented on February 20. The local government transfer, determined by the Board of Supervisors through the county’s budget process, is the largest driver of ACPS revenues. The transfer amount is based on local tax rates and collections, making it a critical factor in school funding each year.
While increasing local funding provides some relief, a change to the Local Composite Index (LCI)—a state formula that determines funding distribution—has reduced ACPS’s share of state aid for the 2024-2026 biennium by an estimated $10 million per year, shifting a greater financial burden onto local revenues. At the same time, the division is preparing for continued student enrollment growth, which increases demands on staffing, classroom resources, and student support services. Rising employer health care contributions are also driving costs higher, with rates set to rise by 26% in 2025 and a projected additional increase of 24% in 2026.
Despite significant cost-saving measures, ACPS is still facing a $750,000 funding gap. To balance priorities with available funding, the School Board has proposed $6.4 million in staffing and service reductions for 2025-26, following $3.5 million in cuts in the current fiscal year, bringing total reductions over two years to nearly $10 million. These reductions include, among others, freezing or eliminating central office and department-based positions, reducing the number of instructional coaches by 40%, discontinuing the Foreign Language in Elementary Schools program, and eliminating the furniture replacement program. The $6.4 million in total reductions also includes nearly $1 million in deferred costs, creating one-time savings that will need to be addressed in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
“Despite the budgetary challenges, we remain committed to meeting the needs of our students, staff, and schools,” Acuff said.
Throughout this challenging budget development process, the School Board has remained dedicated to funding five key proposals that invest in competitive pay, instructional resources, equitable access to rigorous and innovative learning experiences, enhanced special education services, and school safety.
“As the parent of two public education graduates, I know that public education is one of the most powerful investments a community can make,” said Dr. Rebecca Berlin, Vice-Chair of the School Board and White Hall District representative. “Whether we’re aiming to build a stronger economy, attract business, lower crime rates, promote healthier lifestyles, or increase civic engagement, it all starts with an investment in quality public education.”
Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas emphasized the student-first approach behind the funding request while acknowledging the division’s financial constraints.
“This budget prioritizes the immediate needs of our students while navigating the financial challenges that lie ahead,” Haas said. “By focusing resources on direct instructional support and student services, we have worked to minimize the impact of rising costs on the classroom. At the same time, maintaining competitive salaries is critical for attracting and retaining high-quality educators, making these investments meaningful. Through ongoing community engagement, we are committed to keeping transparency at the heart of this process.”
Next in the budget development process, the School Board will continue refining its budget proposal based on public input and fiscal projections. The next opportunities for community engagement will take place during School Board meetings on April 10 and April 24, where public input will be welcomed and any necessary adjustments considered. Additionally, Albemarle County is hosting several Community Budget Town Halls across the county, providing a great opportunity for community members to learn about the recommended local government budget, ask questions, and engage with county representatives.
A final vote on the 2025-26 Budget is scheduled for May 8, 2025. The community is encouraged to follow updates and provide input at k12albemarle.org/budget.
CONTACT: Dr. Helen T. Dunn, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-249-8379