Virginia's governor's budget proposal seeks an additional $290 million for school construction

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing to amend the state budget and add $290 million for school construction

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the schools proposal would bring the total amount allocated for school construction over two years to $700 million. 

Youngkin said the $290 million proposal would support critical public school construction projects by expanding competitive grant opportunities for school systems in high-need areas and addressing urgent infrastructure needs.

More than half of all school buildings in Virginia are more than 50 years old, according to a 2021 report from state's Commission on School Construction and Modernization. It would cost $25 billion to replace or rebuild all of those schools, according to the legislative commission.

Earlier this year, Youngkin vetoed legislation that would have let localities impose a 1% sales tax for school construction and modernization projects if voters approved.

The Richmond school district released a report last week that says it needs $43.7 million in the next 18 months for immediate repairs to dozens of school buildings that have fallen into disrepair and pose safety concerns.