Virginia Beach School Board Rejects Trail Project for School Needs

Virginia Beach public schools plan to spend excess reserve funding on cafeteria air conditioning and staff wellness rather than a city-backed cross-country trail.

Following hours of discussion across multiple meetings, the Virginia Beach School Board voted 9-1 on Tuesday to direct $3 million in division funding toward internal capital needs instead of helping design and build the recreational path, WHRO Public Media reported.

Virginia Beach School Board vote on $3M for cross-country trail — 13News Now

The debate centered on whether funding the trail would build goodwill with the City Council, which approves the division’s budget, or if funds should address a backlog of one-time expenses. The money forms part of $5.8 million added to the school reserve special revenue fund during the 2024-2025 fiscal year under a revenue-sharing agreement with the city.

Board members allocated $1.8 million for a cafeteria HVAC system, $250,000 for accessible playground equipment, $300,000 for new buses, and $650,000 for a staff wellness day.

Virginia Beach School Board removes funding for proposed cross-country trail from consideration — 13News Now

“It’s kind of awkward for me to think that I would be dishonorable to any city council member by choosing these recommendations over track and field,” said member Rose Dwyer. “I’m going to go with, with what I feel and what I’m convicted by, and these needs to me are more important.”

Michael Callan cast the lone opposing vote, while Vice Chair Carolyn Weems was absent from the meeting. Prior to the vote, school division staff had proposed allocating $2.8 million of the reserve funds toward a new human resources system following a Sept. 22 board meeting recommendation. City Manager Patrick Duhaney later requested that remaining funds support the cross-country trail within the city’s Interfacility Traffic Area.

Virginia Beach School Board backs using $3M for school needs over cross-country trail — WTKR News 3

Public comment during the proceedings reflected tension between municipal and educational priorities. Teacher Riley Goldsmith urged the board to prioritize internal district operations.

“We need that money in our school district,” Riley Goldsmith told WHRO Public Media. “Let’s show the voters what they want to see and demonstrate that we have a spine, that we’re willing to say no, and make sure that our students’ needs are met before City Council.”

Virginia Beach School Board wants to use excess revenue for HVAC, wellness day rather than city c… — WHRO Public Media

Superintendent Donald Robertson acknowledged the competing pressures facing the administration, noting the strategic value of maintaining cooperative ties with municipal leadership.

“I would not want to win a battle to lose a war,” Robertson said.

In a separate unanimous vote, the board approved utilizing more than $45 million in excess funding from the prior fiscal year. That package designates approximately $27.2 million for the Princess Anne High School replacement project, $16 million for the upcoming capital improvement plan, and $2 million for a payroll system update.

The funding decisions now advance to the City Council on Nov. 24. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 1, with the council holding its formal vote on Dec. 8.