Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
In recent years, the number of students with disabilities in 504 plans has nearly doubled, reaching 21% of the student body—up from 11% a decade ago. Similarly, the English learner population has surged by 211%, with over 4,700 students requiring specialized support. Meeting these students’ needs requires increased staffing, specialized programs, and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, he said.
“These aren’t just numbers; these are real children whose success depends on the support we provide today,” Smith said. “Our educators, counselors, and staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of every student, but we can’t do it without the necessary resources and funding.”
The FY26 budget request includes investments in staffing, new facilities, and educational programs to meet the needs of a more diverse and expanding student population. The budget proposal also seeks a 3% average pay increase for all staff, as competitive salaries are essential to attract and retain the high-quality educators and support staff required for a thriving educational environment. However, despite these necessary investments, the funding request still faces a substantial $14.2 million funding gap. The total proposed expenditures for FY26 amount to $490 million, while the projected revenue is only $470 million, creating a critical imbalance.
The Superintendent’s proposal emphasizes the need for additional state and local support to meet the demands of the growing school system. While the proposed budget includes $10.5 million in state funding and $5 million in local funding from the county board of supervisors, he said it falls short of what is required to maintain the quality of education and services for Stafford’s students.
“We are grateful for the support from the county and state, but we need to close the gap to fully meet the needs of our students,” Smith said. “Without additional resources, we risk compromising the foundation we’ve worked so hard to build.”
Stafford Schools has continued to achieve academic success. Last year, students earned over $19.4 million in scholarships, and thousands completed dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. However, the school division is seeking to do more, particularly with its growing number of students who require specialized support. The FY26 budget proposal includes funding for 36 new English learner teachers, special education teachers, and staff to meet the Virginia Standards of Quality requirements.
Stafford is also planning the expansion of its specialty centers, including programs in business and information technology, community health, and medical professions. These specialty programs provide students with valuable, hands-on learning experiences that help prepare them for the workforce, but they require continued funding to remain successful.
“The growth of our specialty centers is key to preparing students for the future,” Smith explained. “The demand for specialized skills in industries like business technology and healthcare is growing, and our students need access to programs that equip them for those careers.”
However, the division’s funding request does not meet all its identified needs. The FY26 budget still has over $59 million in unmet needs—critical areas that the division has been unable to fund due to budget constraints. These include new positions required by state standards, staffing for new schools, and expanding specialized programs, all necessary to ensure the district can continue to educate its growing student body.
In response to these challenges, the school division will host budget town halls to engage with the community and encourage public input on the FY26 funding request. These meetings will allow residents to learn more about the budget proposal and advocate for the resources necessary to ensure Stafford’s students have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
The funding gap, totaling $14.2 million, highlights the need for continued advocacy from the community, the Board of Supervisors, and the Virginia General Assembly. Supervisors will be forced to cut spending or raise real estate taxes on homeowners to fill the gap when they hammer out their fiscal year 2026 budget in April.
“If we don’t make the right investments now, we’re putting the future of our students and community at risk,” Smith said. “Every dollar we invest today is an investment in a brighter, more prosperous future for Stafford County.”
The school board will continue to refine the budget in the coming weeks, with approval scheduled for February 25, 2025. The community is encouraged to attend the budget town halls on February 4 and 6, 2025, to learn more and voice their support for Stafford’s educational future.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Brooke Point High School. This session will focus on the Aquia, Falmouth, George Washington, and Griffis-Widewater Districts.
- Thursday, February 6, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School. This session will focus on the Garrisonville, Hartwood, and Rockhill Districts.
In addition to attending the town halls, Smith encouraged residents to reach out to their local representatives and advocate for more funding. “The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be,” he said.
For residents interested in learning more about the proposed budget and getting involved in the advocacy process, detailed information will be available on the Stafford County Public Schools website and through social media channels.
“The future of Stafford Schools—and of Stafford County—is dependent on the investments we make today,” Smith concluded. “Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
