SCS Board of Education - Board Meeting - October 5th, 2026

The Surry County Schools Board of Education meeting, identified in the title as October 5, 2026, included approval of the final FY2026–27 budget resolution. The budget includes a proposed $798,431 draw from local fund balance to help cover costs; officials noted local funding rose only 1.62%, while state-mandated pay increases, bonuses, and retirement contributions added pressure. Capital outlay is funded at $339 per student, with planned spending including technology replacement, roofs, HVAC, carpeting, painting, and vehicle leases. The board also received the FY2025–26 audit presentation: the district received an unmodified opinion and had no financial-statement, federal, or state-award findings. The auditor cautioned that the general fund balance declined by nearly $507,000 and advised monitoring ongoing spending.

The board approved moving forward with schematic design for the North Surry Middle School consolidation project, with a preliminary estimated total of $5,398,321 for classroom additions, kitchen work, and traffic improvements; the estimate includes contingencies and remains subject to further design and pricing. The board also approved a courtyard sunshade estimated at $12,000–$13,000, with Atlantic Shade Company identified in the discussion. The consent agenda was approved, including a Center for Safer Schools SRO grant award of $531,000 ($528,000 for SRO salaries and $3,000 for professional development), an increase of about $164,000 from the prior award. Board members discussed the district’s reliance on county support for major capital costs and the need to revisit funding as project costs become clearer.