The public hearing for the AY25 proposed operating budget will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 9:00 am in Room 153 (Adjunct Classroom) during the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting.
In February, we are excited to welcome new members Ms. Marchelle Hampton from Charles City Public Schools, and Dr. James Taylor of Powhatan Public Schools. The board will also recognize the talented student winners of the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
During the meeting, the board will be asked to approve the current operating financial statements, personnel actions, and amended Reg. 7003.1-Annual Budget Calendar and Guidelines. Regulation changes will move most of the calendar of budget approval activities back one month. Furthermore, the board will be asked to consider and approve amending the academic and operating calendar for this year. The requested change will make primary voting day on March 5th a holiday for students and staff, instead of an instruction day. This adjustment is requested as Maggie Walker Governor’s School is a polling center.
Regular business will include an update from the director on the current strategic plan and first read for amended Procedure 1070-Related to International Travel which is a format change moving required information and forms to digital. The board will also review an operating schedule proposal for AY25.
Included in this meeting, the director will present his proposal for the AY25 operating budget to the board and the public. Dr. Lowerre will be asking for an additional $1,306,153 in spending to cover teacher pay raises and facility maintenance. The proposed budget aims to lift teacher salaries to a competitive scale with our partners and includes repairs such as replacing HVAC units, repairs to the roofing system, and anticipated parking lot repavement. According to Dr. Lowerre, “An investment in building system upgrades will provide a more comfortable environment for all of our students and staff while improving efficiencies resulting in utility cost savings.” The public will have opportunities to comment before the board finalizes or changes the proposal.
The February meeting packet can be viewed here.
Persons unable to attend in-person but wanting to address the Regional School Board during the public comment period are invited to use this form to submit their comments by 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, or email their remarks to the Deputy Board Clerk.
