Appomattox, VA – The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors met with the School Board on March 5, 2024, at the Appomattox Community Center. The meeting was about the public-school budget for the next year. All members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board were in attendance.
Appomattox County Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Annette Bennett dedicated a significant part of the agenda to presenting updates on capital improvement projects and their FY25 budget request.
The proposed budget for the next fiscal year totals $34.3 million, with a request for $7.49 million in county contributions. This budget includes a 1-3% salary increase for teachers but is dependent on the result of the state budget. The boards addressed the end of CARES federal funds. The funds now support academics and mental health. They also support attendance monitoring and contracted counselors. Dr. Bennett stressed the importance of continuing behavioral and mental health supports.
The composite index, set by the Virginia Department of Education, fell slightly. It determines state funding for education. Appomattox County must use local funds to cover 28% of the budget. A sum of $1.39 million of federal funding was reported.
ACPS FY25 Proposed Budget
| Federal | $1,390,000 |
| State | $25,459,886 |
| Local | $7,490,000 |
| Total | $34,339,886 |
Attention was drawn to ACPS’ textbooks and curriculum materials, with an overhaul required by the Virginia Department of Education. Standards of Learning (SOL) tests will no longer be multiple choice. “It will require a total revamp on the materials that we use.” according to the Superintendent. The new standards will be fully in place in the Spring of 2025.
In addition, the Superintendent provided an update on major capital projects including the renovations at ACHS. The ACHS renovation project has been underway for close to three years at a cost of roughly $23 million. Upcoming projects include removing the classroom trailers, resurfacing the track and tennis courts, and upgrades to the School Board Office.
Supervisor Carter asked about the condition and usability of the current bus shop. He cited space constraints. This led to a discussion about possibly moving the bus shop. The boards considered a new or upgraded bus shop with its own consolidated fuel point, which could offer savings on diesel, gas, and propane to government owned County and Town vehicles.
Dr. Bennett mentioned the possibility of combining the maintenance and IT shops. Vacating the current maintenance shop was a requirement set by Appomattox County. The current maintenance shop sits on the Carver-Price campus which is planned to be used as part of the new vocational education center.
The joint session adjourned.
The Board of Supervisors continued their budget work session. They considered departmental requests and a “very draft budget” with a roughly $200k surplus.
The board showed restraint in their consideration of funding requests. Public safety was a high priority. The board voted unanimously to approve an operating budget increase and one-time cash payment to the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department. The one-time payment of $100,000 will go to pay off a loan associated with a recently acquired firetruck.
All funding decisions were unanimous except for the American Civil War Museum. Supervisor Wolfskil opened discussion “I’m uncomfortable giving free enterprise money.” Supervisor Jones corrected Mr. Wolfskil reminding the board that the ACWM is a non-profit. Supervisor Hipps remarked “I want it to succeed, but I want it to support itself.” On a motion to “zero fund the American Civil War Museum,” the board voted 3-2, with Jones and Carter voting against the measure.
The board asked several groups to provide more materials or make a presentation. They include the Appomattox Railroad Festival and the Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District.
Funding Summary
- American Civil War Museum: $0.00
- Appomattox Rescue Squad: $10,000
- Appomattox Tourism Committee: $10,000
- Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department: $60,000 + $100,000 one-time payment.
- Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC): $3,500.00
- Concord Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): $3,000.00
- Horizon Behavioral Health: Level Fund
- Legal Aid: $0.00
- Pamplin Community Center: Level Fund
- Pamplin Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
- Piedmont Are Veteran’s Council: $7,000.00
- Railroad Festival: Asked to make a presentation.
- Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District: Asked to make a presentation.
- Toga Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
- Virginia’s Retreat: Asked to make a presentation.
The next meeting of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors is set for March 18 at 6:00 PM at the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors meeting room at 171 Price Lane, Appomattox, VA.
