The Fluvanna County Public Schools Board Seminar held on October 23, 2024, focused on critical discussions surrounding the FY26 budget planning, cell phone policy, and strategic priorities for the school district. Board members expressed concerns about the sustainability of rising healthcare costs and the implications for the school budget.

One board member emphasized the need for transparency and communication throughout the budget process, particularly with the Board of Supervisors. They highlighted the significant increase in health insurance costs, which have risen nearly 30% over the past three years, creating challenges for both the school system and local businesses. The member stressed the importance of advocating for the needs of students and staff while navigating a difficult financial landscape.

Another board member acknowledged the extensive data presented during the meeting but expressed skepticism about the anticipated state funding increases. They noted a historical trend where state funding does not fully translate to local support, complicating budget planning. The discussion included the necessity of assigning dollar values to new positions and evaluating the budget to determine what can be included or removed.

Overall, the seminar underscored the complexities of budget planning in the face of rising costs and the need for collaboration between the school board and local government to ensure the educational needs of Fluvanna County are met. The board members are committed to finding consensus on budget priorities as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.