Background Information
The school division’s budget serves as a financial roadmap, projecting revenues and expenditures to support high-quality instruction, safe and well-maintained facilities, student services, and long-term sustainability. Budget decisions are informed by enrollment trends, staffing needs, state funding formulas, local revenue capacity, and community priorities.
Budget development for Botetourt County Public Schools is a year-round process focused on ensuring financial resources are aligned with instructional priorities and student needs. The process includes collecting data, analyzing financial trends, and working closely with schools and departments to plan for both current operations and future needs.
Info: Budget Timeline
Planning for the annual budget begins with conducting a needs assessment with school and department leadership. The superintendent and central office review requests and develop a budget recommendation for the school board. A Capital Improvement Plan is also developed, presented for public review, and adopted by the school board. School Board budget work sessions begin in January and continue through the spring. The proposed operating and capital budgets are presented in March, followed by opportunities for public input and refinement before final adoption.
In accordance with Virginia law, the School Board must adopt a balanced budget by March 31 each year. The approved school budget is then submitted to the county Board of Supervisors for inclusion in the overall county budget.
Throughout the process, the School Board and Division staff hold public work sessions and hearings to promote transparency and provide opportunities for families, staff, and community members to share input before the budget is finalized.