The per-student allocation given to schools to support discretionary spending for instructional supplies and academic supports would increase for the first time in more than 20 years, based on a proposal to invest nearly $3.4 million into Chesterfield County schools during the 2020-21 school year.

“We believe it’s time that the school division starts paying for more school-based instructional materials, student activities and field trips, and stops asking parents and teachers to fund these important components of the classroom learning experience,” Superintendent Dr. Merv Daugherty said. 

The additional funding in the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget would provide school-based leaders the opportunity to better differentiate resources while meeting the needs of a diverse community of learners.