Mental health support, additional pre-kindergarten classrooms, and raises are a few items the Prince William County School Board is considering this budget season.
They were among the focal points of Superintendent Steve Walts’ proposed fiscal 2021 budget.
The estimated $1.2 billion proposal was shared with the board on Wednesday, according to a release from PWCS. It’s a 9.1 percent increase from the $1.1 billion budget for fiscal 2020.
In his proposed plan, Walts is recommending a 4.8 percent average raise for teachers and staff members and no increase in health care costs.
He’s hoping to grow the number of pre-kindergarten classrooms by 20, as well. This would be done through a $5.1 million increase to the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI).
Walts is suggesting that an additional $2.1 million be allocated for mental health and wellness. This would enable the school division to hire 11 more social workers, a Global Welcome Center psychologist and another nurse, according to the proposed budget presentation.
The proposal also includes a $22.8 million increase for educational equity and academics and an additional $10.5 million for infrastructure.
Walts is also requesting $4.8 million of additional funding that will be used to prepare students for their career, the military or college.
A public meeting about the proposed budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has been set for Monday. It will start at 7 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road in Manassas.
The School Board is hosting a public hearing at 7 p.m. on February 19 at the Kelly Leadership Center.
A public hearing will also be held by the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) on April 14. It begins at 7:30 p.m. at the McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Additional details about the proposed budget are available on the PWCS website.
