Franklin County Board of Supervisors and School Board Joint Meeting 02/24/2026

The Franklin County, VA Board of Supervisors and School Board held a joint meeting on February 24, 2026, focusing primarily on the redevelopment of the former Majikraft property into a public safety center and a career and technical education (CTE) facility. Assistant County Administrator Brandy Roser presented an overview of the project, discussing potential procurement methods including traditional design-bid-build and design-build approaches, and emphasizing the need for coordination among county departments, the school board, and external partners. The project is complex, involving specialized design criteria for public safety and educational spaces, with a likely phased construction timeline. The boards discussed the importance of ongoing collaboration and potential funding mechanisms, including a proposed 1% sales tax referendum dedicated to school construction and renovation. Additionally, a detailed presentation was given on urgent HVAC and energy efficiency upgrades needed across several schools, with a proposed $8 million project focusing initially on Liam Wade Elementary, including guaranteed energy savings and financing options. The school board also reviewed staffing and budgetary challenges, highlighting reductions in personnel through attrition, ongoing salary scale adjustments, and capital needs totaling approximately $13.6 million excluding major construction projects. The meeting concluded with plans for continued joint oversight and coordination on these capital projects and budget priorities.