Newport News Public Schools: Funding Sources, Budget Management, and Strategic Initiatives
Newport News Public Schools receives its operating budget revenues from three primary sources: State aid for public education, funds transferred from the City of Newport News, and federal impact aid. Additionally, the school system receives smaller amounts of revenue from non-resident tuition, fees, and receipts from athletic activities[1].
The funding structure is further detailed in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Newport News Public Schools. The report explains that the School Board receives funding from taxes collected and allocated by the City and state, in addition to federal aid. School construction projects are funded by general obligation bonds, operating cash transfers, and State Literary Loans approved by the Newport News City Council. The School Board itself has no power to levy and collect taxes or to increase the budget; instead, the City Council annually appropriates funds to the School Board for educational expenditures, levies taxes, and issues debt on behalf of the School Board[3].
Federal funding plays a significant role in supporting specific programs within Newport News Public Schools. The Office of Federal Programs manages funding received by the school division through federal and state sources. This includes grants such as Title I Part A, Title 1 Part D, Title 2 Part A, Title 4 Part A, School Improvement (SIG), and the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). For example, Title I, Part A provides financial assistance to school divisions and public schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic content and achievement standards. This funding is used to provide preschool programs, support teachers in reading and/or math, and fund Family Engagement Specialists who help build partnerships between schools and parents[5].
The financial highlights from the ACFR indicate that the School Board continues to be in sound financial condition, with moderate growth in State and local funding expected in the near future. For FY2024, the State Revenue increased by $20.4 million, and the City contribution increased by $3.4 million over FY2023. Additionally, the school system received significant allocations through the CARES Act and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act in FY2022, which were to be spent by September 2024[3].
The strategic plan, Journey 2025, adopted by the School Board, aims to ensure all students graduate college, career, and citizen-ready. This plan includes five strategic supports necessary for student success: Student Success, Student & Staff Wellness, and other components that are integral to achieving the mission of Newport News Public Schools[3].
In summary, Newport News Public Schools relies on a combination of state, local, and federal funding to support its operations and specific programs. The School Board works closely with the City Council to manage its budget and ensure that educational services are provided effectively across its 41 school facilities and additional sites. The school system’s financial condition remains stable, with expectations of moderate growth in funding in the near future. The strategic use of federal grants, such as Title I, supports critical programs that help students from low-income families meet academic standards and provides resources for preschool education and family engagement initiatives.