HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg City School Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards has unveiled the preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year.

The total budget is just under $130 million, which is over $6 million, or five percent, more than this year’s budget.

Dr. Richards explained during last night’s school board meeting that despite the increase in budget, they will ask for less money from Harrisonburg City Council.

“The city is facing some financial challenges. And since we are getting more money from the state, we’re going to help the city and we’re going to go ahead and put in a local appropriation that’s a half a million lower,” said Dr. Richards.

Dr. Richards added that enrollment is projected to be at 6,350 students for fiscal year 2027, which is slightly below projections.

Public comment on the budget will take place during the school board’s work session on March 17, 2026, at Waterman Elementary School.