Five-year building plan cut by about $19 million

What happened

On July 7, 2026 the board voted 7-0 to adopt an amended five-year capital improvement plan for 2027 through 2031 worth $88,294,403. In December the superintendent's proposed version of the same five years came to $107,483,000. James City County and the City of Williamsburg decide how much of the plan they will pay for, and they funded less than the division asked for.

Why it matters to families

The capital plan is the list of building projects the schools expect to pay for over the next five years, such as roofs, heating systems, playing fields and refurbished classrooms. About $19 million less means some of those projects move later or drop off. Board members noted at the meeting that the City of Williamsburg did not fund the Cooley Field turf project and gave no explanation, and said the funding split between city and county projects needs more discussion.

The evidence

The approved minutes of the July 7, 2026 work session record the motion to adopt the amended five-year capital improvement plan for FY27-FY31 in the amount of $88,294,403, carried 7-0, and record board members asking why the city did not fund turfing Cooley Field, with no explanation given. The approved minutes of the Dec. 5, 2025 joint meeting record the superintendent's proposed plan totalling $107,483,000 for the same five years, $102,190,000 from James City County and $5,293,000 from the City of Williamsburg.

The source