COMMENTARY: Costs to Address Williamsburg Student Achievement Gaps Come into Focus

School budget battle brews as potential WJCC shortfall pits County vs. City, new hiring vs. employee raises and health care costs

The WJCC School Board recently heard the acting-Superintendent’s recommendation to request an additional $13.8M from James City County and Williamsburg for raises, health care costs and new positions. (Photo: George Arbogust, Williamsburg Independent)

In a working session this week, the WJCC School Board continued their annual budgeting discussions for Fiscal Year 2026. This year, the School Board appears poised to ask for even more from their local funding partners. Potentially to the tune of an extra $13.8M, according to the presentation given this week by the Acting Superintendent, Daniel Keever. It’s important to note the number is preliminary and could decrease if state funding turns out to be higher than currently announced, or the Board decides to cut some of the requested amount.

Yet it’s still likely to be higher than last year’s ask either way. According to reporting from the Daily Press last year, the budget for FY25 was nearly $180M and included 3% pay raises system-wide. …