Henrico Schools' proposed budget would add more security officers and ESL teachers; Virginia lawmakers push to increase funding for school support staff
Henrico Schools Superintendent Amy Cashwell presented a $914 million recommended budget to the school board, with funding to add more ESL teachers and increase security at open campus schools. Virginia lawmakers are hoping to lift the state’s cap on support staff funding this legislative session.
$914M proposed budget
Henrico Schools Superintendent Amy Cashwell recommended a $914 million budget for 2025-2026 to the Henrico School Board – a $33 million increase from last year’s adopted budget.
The proposed budget, which Cashwell presented Jan. 23, would add extra school security officers to middle and high schools with open campuses, which are partially-outdoor campuses that are not fully enclosed, as well as more English language learner teachers and more school counselors. HCPS would also designate Harold Macon Ratcliffe Elementary and Brookland Middle as “Opportunity Schools,” allowing them to receive extra staff and resources to help with vacancies.
Push for more support staff
Advocates and Democratic lawmakers held a news conference Thursday to say it was time for Virginia to lift an arbitrary cap on how much the state helps local school divisions pay for school support staff like front office staff, custodians, and teacher aides.
“This is a matter of prioritizing our children's futures,” said Monica Hutchinson, the Policy Director of RISE for youth and a Henrico County Public Schools parent.
HCPS seeks feedback
Henrico Schools officials have opened the window for responses to their 2025 survey, which seeks input from parents, guardians, staff members and students.
Parents and guardians should receive an email Feb. 3 with a link to this year’s edition of the survey, which officials said should take about 15-20 minutes and can be completed through Feb. 28. HCPS staff members and students in grades 3-12 will receive instructions about how to access their surveys.
Photos of the week
Adams Elementary School gets a special visit from an astronaut! (photo creds to @henricocountyschools)
Hermitage High School’s Zoe Raeder is a 2025 Teen of Impact nominee with the American Heart Association!
MORE IN HENRICO
Astronaut Leland Melvin visits Henrico elementary school
Henrico Police arrest multiple people in connection with vandalism spree
How successful were Henrico legislators in advancing their bills during General Assembly’s first half?
MORE IN VA
VHSL says it’s not banning transgender women from women’s high school sports teams
Richmond Public Schools votes in support of policy protecting immigrant students
Virginia House, Senate move to fast-track CTE teachers
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