School Budget Highlights, May 12 Election Info, Candidates Answer Questions
Published about 10 hours ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
May 7, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Last week The Observer broke the news about a data center project near Summit Point. This week we watched a workshop for a project being proposed about 6 miles to the west, in Franklin County VA. What struck us most when watching the video (link below) was the willingness of the developer to offer specific proffers to address noise, setbacks, water usage, and other concerns from the community. It remains to be seen whether data center developers will offer similar considerations in Jefferson County
The spring campaign season is approaching the finish line, with elections scheduled for May 12. This will be the final vote for the state judicial and school board races, so don’t skip it even if you don’t have a favorite candidate running in one of the party primary races.
The Observer sent a short list of questions to all of the candidates running for Jefferson County Board of Education. Some of the candidates responded quickly and some of them we had to chase down. You can read the responses we received here.
Save some time this week to enjoy some of the fun activities on the calendar too!
— Steve Pearson
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2026-2027 Draft School Budget — Expenses by Category
The Jefferson County Board of Education (BOE) will hold a public hearing on next year’s proposed school budget on Tuesday, May 26. The public hearing on the budget will begin at 5:00 pm in the Washington High School auditorium, prior to the regular Board of Education meeting which will begin at 6:00 pm.
Christen Cameron, the CFO for Jefferson County Schools, provided a presentation on the draft budget to the school board members at its May 4 meeting. Cameron divided the budget into four categories, which together add up to $153.6 million:
$135 million for general operating expenses
$3.7 million for debt service
$2 million for capital projects
$12.6 million for special education and nutrition services
Under the general operating expense category, salaries and benefits account for 75% of the budget ($101.7 million). Student support services (textbooks, classroom supplies and special education out-placement tuition) add up to 6.8% of the budget ($9.2 million). Facilities maintenance and utilities add up to 6.1% of the budget ($8.3 million). The other expense categories are highlighted in the image above (click here to view the complete draft budget document).
The State Determines Funding For Schools
In West Virginia, the state legislature determines the baseline amounts for public school spending through the Public School Support Plan (known informally as the “school aid formula”). The state’s multi-step formula calculates a per-student amount to be funded from the state budget, which it then offsets by 85% of the local taxes collected via the regular school levy (the state legislature also sets that levy rate).
In Jefferson County, the state funding will add up to $69 million for the 2026-2027 school year, with $25.3 million of that coming from the local regular levy collections (that is, that state’s net allowance for Jefferson County will be reduced to $44 million).
Local Funding From Excess Levy
Counties are allowed to supplement the state funding by enacting an “excess levy.” In Jefferson County, voters passed an excess levy referendum in November 2024 to cover the five years beginning on July 1 2026. This excess levy will fund approximately 50% of the Jefferson County Schools operations. In next year’s budget, the excess levy will fund 55 teacher positions, 79 service personnel positions, as well as the CFO and HR director positions in the central office.
In addition to funding specific teaching positions, the excess levy provides funds to supplement the pay scale set by the state for all teachers and service professionals working in the school system. In prior years, Jefferson County Schools disbursed these “levy” payments quarterly. To comply with state regulations, the school system will be changing its accounting for these “levy” disbursements to align the payments with the regular semi-monthly payroll schedule.
The school budget can be difficult to understand. Following the April 27 BOE discussion about the changes to the levy pay disbursements, there was some confusion — amplified in social media posts — that several administrators would be getting significant pay raises, when in fact it was just an accounting adjustment to report the existing amounts of regular payroll and levy payments as a single number as required by the state.
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May 12 Election For Board of Ed, Judges & Party Primaries
The May 12 election is the first round of voting for candidates running for the Jefferson County Commission, the state legislature, and federal offices, but it will be the final vote for the Jefferson County Board of Education and state judicial candidates. May 12 will also be the final round of voting for conservation district supervisors and the various Democratic and Republican party committee positions.
Early Voting Ends Saturday
The Jefferson County Clerk offers early voting through Saturday, May 9 at the new County Administration building (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town). The early voting hours are 9 am through 5 pm.
Election Day Information
Voting on Tuesday, May 12 takes place at voters’ regular precincts (the early voting location is not available on election day). The polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. The WV Secretary of State offers several resources for voters at the website GoVoteWV.com:
Only voters who are registered as Republican can vote in the Republican Party primary. The Democratic Party and Mountain Party primaries are open to voters registered with those parties as well as independent voters (you have to tell the poll worker which ballot you want).
All voters can vote for the non-partisan races on all ballots.
Voters will be required to show a photo identification. The accepted IDs are: drivers license, passport, government-issued employee ID, student ID from a WV university or high school, US military ID (with photo), voter registration (with photo) issued by a County Clerk. There is additional information about ID requirements and the limited exceptions on the WV Secretary of State’s website.
School Board Candidates Respond To Questions
The Observer invited all of the candidates for the Jefferson County Board of Education to respond to a list of questions. You can view their responses here.
Information About The Candidates
Mountain State Spotlight has compiled a comprehensive voter reference for all candidates on the ballot in Jefferson County
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The Ranson City Council received an unexpected, but positive, update during its May 5 meeting when the City’s Finance Director, Breanna Andrews, recommended a budget revision to add $2 million in revenues for the Business & Occupations (B&O) tax account.
The B&O tax is levied on the gross receipts for businesses operating within the city limits. For Ranson, this also includes the construction companies building the new houses popping up at a rapid clip over the past several years.
When the City Council approves the budget each spring, it can see the revenue numbers only for the first six months of the current budget year to make the projection for the following year. With the ongoing robust market for new homes in the City, the actual receipts derived from the construction industry have outperformed the projections since 2023.
The Council voted to accept the budget revision, designating the additional revenue to the City’s reserve fund.
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Coast Guard Plans Expansion In Kearneysville — The United States Coast Guard announced on May 6 that it will be standing up a new Special Missions Command to be headquartered at its Kearneysville facility located in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The Coast Guard expects to commission the Command on October 1 2026. There are currently 280 personnel assigned to the Kearneysville facility. The FY27 budget funds an increase of 120 personnel to support the new Command. >>>More details in the Coast Guard announcement…
New Director for CASA of the Eastern Panhandle — Elizabeth “Beth” McCoy has been named the Executive Director of CASA-EP. McCoy is joining the organization after a 25 year career with Berkeley County Schools. CASA-EP provides volunteer advocates to support juveniles interacting with the state judicial system in abuse and neglect cases. >>>Read more…
Assessor Moves To New County Building — As of this week, the Jefferson County Assessor’s office has moved from its multiple downtown locations to a single office located on the first floor of the new county administration building at 393 North Lawrence Street in Charles Town. Assessor Angie Banks remarked that the entire staff is excited to be in the new location and the workspace is a lot more functional. The Assessor’s office also has a new web address: JeffersonCountyWVAssessor.gov.
National Park Service Seeks Uses For Harpers Ferry Building — The Park Service has issued a “Request for Expressions of Interest” for Cook Hall on the former Storer College campus in Harpers Ferry. Built as a dormitory for the college, the 10,000 square foot building has 30 rooms, a kitchen and two meeting rooms. The park service notice indicates there are 26 parking spaces associated with the property. >>>Read more…
Data Center Proposed For Franklin County VA — The Frederick County Planning Commission held a workshop session on May 5 for the proposed “Virginia Technology Park” data center project to be located just south of the Berkeley County line off of Rest Church Road (near the Flying J truck stop). During the presentation, the developer offered multiple proffers to address the concerns of county officials and local residents. >>>Watch the session…
A message from the Shepherdstown Community Club
Shepherdstown Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea The Shepherdstown Community Club will sponsor its annual Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 (rain or shine). There will be approximately 15 gardens on the tour, open 10 to 4 (both days). This year’s tour will be concentrated on the west side of town. The Tea service runs 11 to 3 both days, upstairs at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St). Ticket price is $30 prior to May 16 (day of $35) and includes access to all gardens both days and one tea service. Tickets are available online, at multiple designated Shepherdstown businesses, or on the date of the tour in the War Memorial building.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Hiatt Collection Gallery Opening Reception — A reception for a silent auction featuring locally-collected art to benefit Friends of Shepherdstown Library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 8, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
Sounds of the American Landscape — The Eastern Panhandle Community Band performs a program celebrating the spirit and story of America. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 8, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series — Outdoor concert featuring Sudanese-American musician Sinkane performing a blend of Sudanese pop, funk rock, electronica, jazz, and prog rock. The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, May 8, gates open 6 pm, music begins 7 pm. Free. Info…
Stardust — Six short plays based on the life and works of David Bowie. MAC Ice House, 138 Independence St, Berkeley Springs. Thursday, May 7–Sunday, May 10, 7:30 pm Thu, Fri & Sat, 3 pm Sun. $. Tickets & Info…
Hamnet — Screening of the 2026 Academy Award-winning film. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 8, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pancake Breakfast — Community breakfast event featuring pancakes and morning fare. New Street Church, New & Church Streets, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 9, 7 - 11 am. $ Info…
Everything on Wheels Transportation Show — A transportation-themed community event featuring vehicles and exhibits. Washington County Agricultural Center, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, May 9, 9 am-3 pm. Free. Info…
Guided Hike to the Stone Fort on Maryland Heights — A challenging guided hosted by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Meet at the Point in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, May 9, 10:30 am-2 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Beginner Bird Watching — Learn birdwatching basics with Miss Jessie, then head outside to spot birds for Global Bird Day. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 9, 11 am-noon. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Railfest — A rail-themed festival at the historic Martinsburg Roundhouse. 100 East Liberty St, Martinsburg. Saturday, May 9, 10 am-4 pm. Info… Info…
Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light — Screening followed by an in-person Q&A with Academy Award-winning director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Casey Wagner. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 9, 7 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Coda; Da Capo — Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra performance featuring works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Schubert, and Khachaturian, presented as a farewell celebration honoring conductor Camilo Pérez-Mejía. Harpers Ferry Middle School, 1710 West Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, May 10, 1:00 pm. Free. Info…
Walk About Nothing — Walk with guest Erin Barnes, CEO of Main Street America, in downtown Charles Town, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Tuesday, May 12, 6-7 pm. Free. Info…
The PAZA Experience — Performance by an accomplished Native American storyteller, presented by Speak Story Series. Byrd Center Auditorium at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, May 12, 7:30 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Lecture: Erin Barnes of Main Street America — A presentation on Main Street America’s history and approach to strengthening historic small towns, hosted by Historic Shepherdstown. Byrd Center Auditorium at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, May 13, 7-8 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan products. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Second & last Fridays, 4 - 7 pm. Free. Info…
Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Marie Bressler, owner of Boxer Craft Shop, and her husband Wayne Bressler.
Marie Bressler welcomed long-time customers and met new customers during the grand opening of Boxer Craft House’s new location at Maddex Square in Shepherdstown on May 1.
Bressler, the owner of Boxer Craft House, turned her long-time interest in quilting into an online business in 2019. In 2023, she took the leap to open a retail location in Ranson, across from City Hall, stocking a wide variety of fabrics and other supplies for quilters and also providing a space for classes and quilting events.
The name of the shop was inspired by Bressler’s dog, a boxer who sometimes visits the shop. Bressler says her customers come not only from Jefferson County, but around the Eastern Panhandle, western Maryland, northern Virginia and beyond. The shop is clearly popular among its clientele, evidenced by Boxer Craft House receiving recognition as the number 1 quilt shop in West Virginia for the past three years.
According to Bressler, the Maddex Square location was on her list three years ago when she was first looking to set up shop, so it was an easy decision to make the move to Shepherdstown when the building housing her Ranson shop was sold earlier this year.
You can find Boxer Craft House at 95 Maddex Square Drive, Shepherdstown. Online at BoxerCraftHouse.com.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
