Schools Superintendent Jason Wood presented a budget breakdown at the May 11 meeting of the Patrick County School Board.
Wood said the update was due to questions regarding the budget process.
“We’re still waiting on a state budget, so we are preparing to send out contracts now with your approval tonight. So, our teachers and staff and everyone will receive contracts next week,” he said.
For the fiscal year 2022-23, Wood said 72 percent of the division’s revenue came from the state. Patrick County gives about 19 percent, or $6.6 million, with the federal government giving seven percent, and grants making up the remaining two percent.
“There’s always the question about this time of how we are spending our money, and I just want to reassure everyone we follow the VSBA (Virginia School board Association) spending guidelines. Our budget this year, just like we’ll have it proposed for next year, is the exact same,” he said.
Wood said the state suggests a division should spend 60-65 percent of its budget for instruction. Patrick County schools spend 64 percent.
Fifteen percent of the budget is spent on facilities, and the state suggests spending anywhere from 10-15 percent.
“Technology is 3- to 5- percent, and we are a little over at six percent because we are a division that is one-to-one with devices, which really, I think is a blessing for our students and families. They don’t have to worry about that, and we are able to provide some instruction,” he said.
The recommended spending amount for transportation is 3- to 5- percent, but the division spends seven percent.
“I think due to the geographic location of our schools, and we have a new fleet of buses at seven percent. Again, I think putting money there for the safety of students is a great place to put your funds,” he said.
Wood said Patrick County schools are the lowest in the region for funds spent for administration at four percent. The state suggests spending 6 to 10 percent, and “we are the highest performing in the region, yet we have the smallest administrative staff,” he said.
In Patrick County, including the debt service, the division represents 44.8 percent of the county’s budget.
“If you take out the debt service, then actual funds that we’re able to put toward our county budget is just over 31 percent, and the average in the state is over 50 percent. So, most localities spend more than 50 percent of their budget toward their schools,” he said.
Wood said Henry County spends 63 percent of its total budget on education, Floyd County spends 58 percent, and Carroll County spends 63.5 percent.
In other matters, the board:
*Heard from Wood that the school division is in the top 100 in the nation on Wise testing, or financial literacy testing.
“It looks at many areas – the size of your school, the demographics of your school, the free/reduced lunch numbers of your school – and it’s just another testament of what a great job that we’re doing,” he said.
Wood said once the division has the official banner and certificates, he plans to invite staff from Patrick County High School (PCHS) to the administration building and recognize them.
*Approved extending the superintendent’s contract for a maximum of four years to end June 30, 2027.
*Approved the 2023-2024 certification staff list one as amended, and the certification staff lists in a 2 to 5 vote. Also approved the support staff list one as amended and the support staff list two.
*Approved the personnel report as amended.
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Approved authorizing Shannon Brown to serve as a signature in the absence of the superintendent.
*Approved Certification – Title 1, Part C, Education of Migrant Students.
