Prince William County Board Debates $31.6 Million School Funding Transfer

A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.

While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.

Revenue-Sharing Model Sparks Concern

The funding transfer stems from a 1998 agreement automatically allocating a percentage of surplus general revenues—57.23% to PWCS and 42.77% to the county. This year’s surplus totaled $68.7 million, with $13.38 million set aside to maintain the county’s unassigned fund balance in compliance with the Principles of Sound Financial Management. After adjustments, the schools’ net share came to $31.6 million.

However, some supervisors have an issue with the automatic nature of the transfer. Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability in the county’s school funding model.

“We fully funded the school division at the beginning of the year, and now we’re approving another massive transfer of funds,” Weir said. “This is yet another indictment of why the revenue-sharing model doesn’t work. We don’t know where the money is going, and we’re just handing out a blank check.”

Other supervisors echoed similar concerns, questioning whether the county should demand more detailed financial reporting from the school division before approving additional appropriations.

Supervisors Defend Funding as Essential Investment

Not all board members agreed that changes to the funding structure are necessary. Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large, defended the current model, arguing that education funding is a critical investment in the county’s future.

“Schools are what make people want to live here. They are what drive businesses to come here,” Jefferson said, emphasizing that fully funding the school division is crucial to maintaining a strong education system.

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye added that while fiscal oversight is essential, withholding necessary school funding could have unintended consequences.

“We need to ensure our students and educators have the resources they need, while also working towards more transparency in the future,” Boddye said.

Timing of Budget Appropriations Questioned

One key concern was why the school division waited until this point in the fiscal year to request the funds.

School officials explained that they must wait until the completion of an external audit finalized in December 2024 before confirming the surplus amount. The audit process ensures that the financials are accurate and aligned with county finance department standards before allocating funds.

“We work closely with the county finance department to ensure all financials are verified before bringing them forward,” a PWCS representative explained.

Despite the concerns, the funding transfer ultimately passed in a 6-1 vote, with Supervisor Yesli Vega voting against it and Supervisor Weir abstaining.

The debate over the county’s revenue-sharing model is expected to resurface ahead of the next budget cycle, with some supervisors calling for more detailed tracking of school expenditures and earlier financial planning.