In December, Governor Northam proposed amendments to the FY21-22 budget. Those amendments are being carried in the House as bill HB1800 and in the Senate as bill SB1100.
The House Appropriations Committee's proposed budget reflects December's positive revenue growth and includes an increase of $158 million in spending over the biennium, $127 million of which is for K-12 schools. It notably includes $6.5 million to allow students with disabilities to attend high school for one more year; broadband service mapping; $8.8 million to transition to through-year growth testing; funding for training on developing effective special education IEPs; and implementing JLARC's special education recommendations.
The Senate Finance Committee's proposed budget includes language requiring school divisions to offer in‐person instruction during the 2021‐2022 school year; investments in a new through-year growth testing system; expansion of Virtual Virginia; a School Nurse Workgroup; and support for implementing JLARC's special education recommendations.
KEY BUDGET AREAS WE ARE WATCHING
No Loss Funding. This Fall there were 3.5% fewer students enrolled than projected. This will result in lower than anticipated funds for school divisions in FY 22 which could lead to layoffs and in turn result in teacher shortages when students re-enroll in the fall.
- Gov. Northam: $514 million.
- House budget: $429.5 million. Uses Federal Funds to cover enrollment loss.
- Senate budget: Same as Governor
School Counselors (See also School Equity & Staffing Act).
- Gov. Northam: $27M. One counselor to 325 students, as enacted in 2020
- House Budget: Same as Governor
- Senate Budget: Same as Governor
Learning Loss. (Extended School, Summer School, Special Education etc)
- Gov. Northam: Not included
- House budget: $51 million + plus $30 million in federal funds
- Senate: $30 million
Teacher Pay. The average teacher’s salary in Virginia is 17% below the national average and contributes to the persistent teacher shortage that leaves almost 1,000 unfilled teaching positions annually. High-poverty, high-minority and low-achieving schools have a disproportionate number of openings. Under-qualified and inexperienced teachers are more prevalent in special education, English as a second language, math and science classrooms.
- Gov. Northam: $80 million for 2% bonus, with suggestion to consider a raise
- House budget: $231.7 million for 5% pay raise, 2021-22 school year
- Senate budget:$139.8 million for 3% pay raise, 2021-22 school year
G3 Program. Helps students get free or low-cost job skills training in high-need fields through Virginia’s community college system.
- Gov. Northam: $36 million
- House budget: Same as Governor
- Senate Budget: $36.0 million + $5.0 million for student advisors
Rainy Day Reserves. Governor Northam proposed 8% of total revenue or $650 million be invested into the revenue reserve (aka savings). The Senate retained that investment while the House proposed setting aside an additional $130 million for a total of $780 million to protect against a time when federal relief funds may not be available. By the end of FY 2022, total reserves would be approximately $1.9 billion.