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Two opposing perspectives from Cardinal News explore whether Lynchburg's government or private enterprise should drive community access to public resources like pools and libraries. Jacqueline Timmer, City Councilmember (left): Photo from Facebook Page . Geoffrey Kershner (right): Photo from Academy Center for the Arts Website . Cardinal News Hosts Community Conversation on Public Priorities Cardinal News recently spotlighted two divergent perspectives in its Cardinal Way series on the future of public services in Lynchburg, focusing on taxpayer-funded libraries and public pools. The Lynchburg Herald has synthesized these opposing viewpoints — one from local arts leader Geoffrey Kershner and the other from Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer — to explore how the city’s priorities are evolving in light of community needs, fiscal realities, and political philosophy. Kershner: The Private Sector Can’t Replace Public Goods In his piece titled “The private sector can’t replace public pools or libraries in Lynchburg. Here’s why,” Geoffrey Kershner argues that libraries and pools are not luxuries but “infrastructure for minds and bodies.” Kershner — a former City Council candidate and the spouse of Downtown Lynchburg Association Executive Director Ashley Kershner — warns against reducing public investment in these spaces. Kershner contends that public institutions ensure equitable access to literacy, education, wellness, and community, particularly for low-income families. He suggests that reliance on nonprofits or the private sector to fill the gaps would lead to service inequality and ultimately diminish quality of life. “There is no private model that will guarantee that the kid without money will get to read books or swim safely in summer,” Kershner writes. He positions public funding as an essential mechanism for equity and shared civic values. Timmer: It’s Time for New Ideas and Accountability On the other side of the debate, Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer authored a response titled “If you want change, you need new ideas.” She critiques the assumption that more government spending equals better outcomes and calls for creative, fiscally responsible solutions to local challenges. Timmer notes that Lynchburg faces rising taxes, a growing budget, and unmet core needs like school maintenance and public safety infrastructure. She questions whether continuing to fund expensive projects — like a $14.5 million new pool or $12.5 million library renovation — aligns with the city’s actual priorities. “What about private partnerships, community-based models, or hybrid funding options?” she asks. “Maybe we don’t need to say ‘no’ to these ideas — we need to say ‘not like this.’” Timmer emphasizes that good government should steward public funds wisely and pursue accountability, even if that means rethinking longstanding programs. She calls for innovation and public engagement in defining what “essential services” should mean in the future. Lynchburg's Debate: A Citywide Conversation Just Beginning The Cardinal Way series reflects a larger ideological debate in Lynchburg over the proper role of government in daily life — one that is playing out in budget hearings, city council meetings, and community forums. Should city government focus only on infrastructure, education, and safety? Or should it fund amenities that enrich the social and cultural fabric, even if they stretch the budget? The answer may lie somewhere in between, but with historic tax increases, capital project debates, and resource constraints shaping the FY2026 budget, Lynchburg residents are being asked to weigh in more than ever. The Lynchburg Herald applauds Cardinal News for fostering this public dialogue and will continue covering how these issues evolve in the months ahead. Sources: Geoffrey Kershner, “The private sector can’t replace public pools or libraries in Lynchburg. Here’s why.” Cardinal News, April 29, 2025 Jacqueline Timmer, “If you want change, you need new ideas.” Cardinal News, April 29, 2025

Image Source: https://www.deltastar.com/newsroom/delta-star-eyes-fall-expansion-completion/ Delta Star, Inc., a Lynchburg-based manufacturer of power transformers and mobile substations, announced a $35 million expansion of its operations this week, promising to create 300 new jobs for the city and Central Virginia region. Governor Glenn Youngkin hailed the announcement, calling it a major win for Virginia’s economy. “This $35 million investment not only boosts our economy but also creates 300 high-tech, high-quality manufacturing jobs here in Central Virginia,” Youngkin said in a press release . The expansion will add 80,000 square feet to Delta Star’s existing Lynchburg facility, significantly increasing production capacity for both mobile and stationary power transformers . The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Delta Star President and CEO Jason Greene said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to meet the growing global demand for energy solutions. “This expansion will increase our manufacturing capacity and technological capabilities to address the evolving needs of the energy sector,” Greene said . This marks Delta Star’s second major investment in Lynchburg in as many years. In 2023, the company announced a $30 million expansion that added 149 jobs . Delta Star has been headquartered in Lynchburg since 1962, maintaining additional facilities in San Carlos, California, and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec . The City of Lynchburg, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance worked closely to secure the project. Governor Youngkin also approved a $2.3 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support Delta Star’s latest expansion . City officials and economic leaders are celebrating the project as a sign of Lynchburg’s growing importance as a hub for advanced manufacturing and energy innovation. The company expects hiring for the new positions — spanning production, engineering, and administrative roles — to begin later this year. Sources: Governor Glenn Youngkin Press Release – April 22, 2025 WDBJ7 – Delta Star Expansion Will Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Central Virginia Delta Star Company Overview – Official Website

Lynchburg, Virginia has once again secured a place on Livability.com’s prestigious list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. , climbing to 57th in the 2025 rankings. The recognition comes as a testament to the city’s blend of historic charm, affordability, and commitment to enhancing quality of life for its residents. This is the second consecutive year that Lynchburg has made the national list, improving from its 84th place ranking in 2024. The rankings are determined by Livability.com using over 50 data points across categories such as economy, housing, transportation, safety, education, and amenities. In 2025, four Virginia cities made the list — Virginia Beach (14th), Lynchburg (57th), Richmond (61st), and Roanoke (96th). Economic Growth and Community Investment Marjette Upshur, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Lynchburg, celebrated the announcement in a City of Lynchburg press release issued April 23, stating: “Being named one of Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live for the second year in a row is a big deal and it really speaks to what’s possible when a city leads with vision, collaboration and care.” The press release highlighted the city’s investment in community-driven projects and economic growth, including Delta Star Inc.’s planned expansion , which will bring 300 new jobs , and the forthcoming riverfront amphitheater , set to open next spring. These investments are seen as efforts to maintain Lynchburg’s character while adapting for future success. Balancing Growth and Affordability Livability.com praised Lynchburg’s low cost of living, abundant green spaces, and vibrant arts and outdoor recreation scene. With five colleges and a growing workforce, the city maintains a youthful and energetic spirit that complements its historic roots. “The city of Lynchburg has long been known for its affordability, strong educational institutions and deeply rooted sense of community,” said Upshur. “But what truly sets us apart is how we balance thoughtful growth with a commitment to quality of life for all residents.” Lynchburg: A Place for the Future Livability.com Editor-in-Chief Amanda Ellis noted: “Our Top 100 Best Places to Live celebrates the cities where most Americans are busy creating dream careers, building families, launching businesses and leading meaningful lives.” Lynchburg’s position on the list demonstrates continued momentum in creating a city that attracts new residents, retains talent, and provides a supportive environment for families and entrepreneurs alike. Sources: Livability.com 2025 Top 100 List Livability Profile: Lynchburg, VA City of Lynchburg Press Release – April 23, 2025 News & Advance – “City makes list for 2nd year in row”

Public outcry centers on books, not bathrooms, as City Council eyes $12.5M in upgrades Source: https://lynchburgpubliclibrary.org Lynchburg City Council is preparing to vote on a $12.5 million renovation plan for its main library — a project city staff say will modernize the long-outdated facility. But while city officials highlight infrastructure decay and design upgrades, the public conversation around the library has been dominated not by physical conditions, but by the content on its shelves. In recent City Council meetings, parents and concerned citizens voiced frustration over what they consider inappropriate or ideologically biased books in the children’s section — not poor lighting or worn-out bathrooms. At the same time, fiscal watchdogs are questioning the wisdom of spending millions on a redesign when basic repairs have not been itemized, and transparency around controversial materials remains inconsistent. Book Access, Not Building Upgrades, Dominates Public Comments Though the main library is located in a repurposed 1950s-era Sears department store, public concern has largely focused on its content rather than its construction. The March 12 Council meeting saw multiple residents demand age-based restrictions on LGBTQ+ and social justice-themed books. Speakers cited titles like We Care , Goodnight, Racism , and Our Skin , accusing the library of advancing “radical gender theory” and “neo-Marxist propaganda” to children. The Lynchburg Republican City Committee has formally called for the creation of a public library oversight board and urged the city to follow the principles of President Donald Trump’s 2021 executive order on ending “radical indoctrination” in schools. The LRCC’s proposal would require books dealing with gender identity or race to be moved to the adult section of the library. Despite those calls, the Lynchburg Public Library’s “About Us” page lists no details about its book challenge policy — a notable omission for a facility facing intense public scrutiny . The site links to “Library Policies,” yet no mention is made of the “request for reconsideration” process, which is described in news reports as the official path for residents to challenge books in the collection. Clicking on a library policy on the website returns a result of "Not Found—The requested URL was not found on this server." This gap has raised transparency concerns. If the library has a formal review process, why isn’t it visible to the public on its website? 12.5 Million Dollars for What, Exactly? In public appearances, Library Director Beverly Blair has emphasized the need for both infrastructure repairs and a newly designed, modern library space. But in a recent WLNI Morningline interview, Blair appeared to conflate the issues — admitting that while repairs are necessary, they won’t be noticeable to the public and that the real driver of the $12.5 million price tag is the redesign. “There are needed repairs that have to be done. And I’m concerned about having to close the library to get those significant repairs done,” Blair said. “The difference with that is the public won’t really see any of those visible changes. They won’t have public impact other than, great, our toilets will flush and our pipes won’t explode and leak. And my staff won’t be down to one bathroom for an entire 30-people staff.” Blair did not specify how much of the $12.5 million would go toward critical infrastructure versus design features like new study rooms, technology labs, or improved natural lighting. That omission has raised public concern. Residents have pointed out that the city has yet to disclose a clear breakdown of how much of the $12.5 million renovation budget is needed for basic repairs — like plumbing or wiring — versus more cosmetic upgrades. Some are questioning why the city is prioritizing a modern redesign before fully addressing the building’s essential functionality. Councilman Martin Misjuns has echoed that sentiment, criticizing the city’s focus on “unnecessary projects like remodeling the functional public library” while other departments, like fire stations, go underfunded. Faraldi Floats Relocation, Others Push Forward During a March 11 Council work session, Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi suggested relocating the library to another commercial space — such as one along Timberlake Road — to save money and expand reach. But City Manager Wynter Benda pushed back, noting that the city already owns the Sears building and had paid for architectural plans for the renovation. Benda said that while staff are “leaning toward” the current renovation plan, they are still open to alternate proposals. Meanwhile, some residents, like Thomas Brennan, have expressed nostalgic support for modernizing the existing building — calling the investment a “safe bet” with strong economic return and social benefit. Brennan cited studies showing that libraries provide $5 in community value for every $1 invested. City Council to Hear Public Feedback April 22 The renovation is included in the city’s FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan, which proposes allocating $11.1 million in that year and $1.4 million in FY2027. City Council will hold a public hearing on April 22 to receive feedback from residents before voting on the budget and CIP package. That hearing will also provide residents a chance to weigh in on City Manager Wynter Benda’s proposed budget, which includes a $9.6 million tax increase and a 7% overall spending increase compared to last year’s adopted budget. But with the public focused more on what’s in the library than what it looks like, councilmembers may face a difficult balancing act: determining whether they can — or should — greenlight a $12.5 million overhaul while serious content concerns and transparency questions remain unresolved. Sources: News & Advance (April 13, 2025) – Renovation Push WLNI Morningline Interview (April 11, 2025) News & Advance (March 14, 2025) – GOP Oversight Push WSET (March 2025) – Book Content Concerns City of Lynchburg – Physical Development Committee Agenda (Sept. 10, 2024) Lynchburg Public Library – Official Website City of Lynchburg – Budget Office

As T.C. Miller’s closure is finalized, leaders face public pushback, tight budgets, and a prolonged search for a new superintendent Lynchburg City Schools Board - Image from Official LCS website Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) and city leaders are moving forward with a major facilities realignment, beginning with the closure of T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation at the end of the 2024–25 school year. The decision marks the start of a broader four-phase plan to consolidate school facilities, reduce costs, and address the city’s aging infrastructure amid declining enrollment. At the same time, the school division has requested a 180-day extension from the state after falling behind its timeline to appoint a new permanent superintendent. T.C. Miller Closure Finalized Despite Community Pushback In a 6–3 vote on April 9, the Lynchburg City School Board approved Phase I of Interim Superintendent Dr. Ben Copeland’s long-term facilities plan. The plan will repurpose T.C. Miller into a centralized early childhood education center starting in the 2025–26 school year. Pre-K programs currently housed at Paul Munro, Perrymont, and R.S. Payne will be consolidated into the T.C. Miller building. The division’s early childhood special education and elementary alternative education programs will also relocate there . Although Copeland emphasized the change would save $1 million annually and would not reduce teaching staff, the plan drew strong public opposition. Families, teachers, and students expressed frustration with the speed of the decision and the loss of T.C. Miller’s unique performing arts and STREAM curriculum. PTO leaders argued the school had strong enrollment demand and served students whose needs were not met at other schools . Board members who voted against the plan — Mark Tinsley, Gloria Preston, and Anthony Andrews — cited concerns about process and perception, not the plan’s content. “We just asked for a public hearing, and we have given the public 10 to 15 minutes of consideration,” Tinsley said. “That’s what we call ‘pro forma’ — we came in here with our minds made up.” Larger Facilities Plan Underway T.C. Miller’s closure is the first phase of a four-step plan presented by Copeland in March. Subsequent phases, which were not yet approved, include: Phase II (2025–2028): Renovate selected schools and identify a second elementary school for closure. Phase III (2028–2029): Close the selected school and convert it into a consolidated secondary alternative education center. Phase IV (2029–2030): Repurpose Fort Hill Community School as an elementary alternative education facility . The joint School Board–City Council committee previously endorsed the strategy in a 4–1 vote, recommending against constructing any new schools for at least five years. Ward I Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer supported the plan, saying it was “an excellent plan that can be recommended as a way to start moving forward.” Budget Pressure and Building Needs Lynchburg City Schools requested a $5.5 million increase in local funding for FY2026 but received only a proposed $2.7 million increase in the city’s draft budget, leaving a $2.8 million gap . Meanwhile, nearly $63 million in critical repairs are needed across school facilities, prompting city and school leaders to prioritize $10 million for the most urgent issues like HVAC, plumbing, and roofing systems . The school division also faced a potential $1 million loss due to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed state budget cuts to school support staff. The General Assembly ultimately rejected the most controversial amendments, restoring some of the threatened funding. Community Concerns on Process and Transparency Save Our Schools Lynchburg, a grassroots education advocacy group, criticized the timeline of the T.C. Miller decision and called for greater transparency in the school division’s budgeting and planning. “Do it in the light of day,” said SOS representative Colleen Larkins during a public hearing. “When parents understand what you’re doing, it’s so much easier to get behind you.” Demographic Challenges Unlike Roanoke, which is building new schools to accommodate growth, Lynchburg has lost nearly 800 students since 2008, leading city and school leaders to focus on consolidation rather than expansion. According to Cardinal News , LCS is now maintaining more buildings than necessary for its student population, driving inefficiencies and straining resources. Superintendent Search Extended While structural changes are advancing, the search for a permanent superintendent remains incomplete. At the April 9 school board work session, search committee co-chair Mark Tinsley confirmed that LCS had filed for a 180-day extension from the Virginia Department of Education. The initial deadline to name a superintendent was April 16, but the committee will miss that target . “We won’t take that long,” Tinsley told The News & Advance , “but if we had to, we could.” He said the delay reflects the complexity of the search process, not any failure to act. The division originally received 27 applications and has narrowed the list to six finalists. A final selection is now expected by mid-May, with a July 1 start date targeted for the new hire. What’s Next? As the school system adjusts to its evolving landscape — marked by closures, budget gaps, and leadership uncertainty — stakeholders are left to grapple with what comes next. While Phase I of the realignment plan is set in motion, future phases and further school closures will likely be shaped by the next superintendent and the community’s continued feedback. Sources: WSET: $10M urgent repairs prioritized Cardinal News: Roanoke builds, Lynchburg closes Cardinal News: Council and School Board budget talks WSET: LCS narrows superintendent search WDBJ7: Superintendent community input News & Advance: Joint committee supports T.C. Miller conversion News & Advance: Budget hearing and updates WSET: Superintendent hiring timeline News & Advance: School board approves T.C. Miller plan News & Advance: Superintendent search extension filed

Lynchburg, VA —Last night’s Lynchburg Joint Committee meeting recommended a $20M CIP boost for schools in 2026, a second school closure by 2026-27, and a contested $5.5M budget hike—ESSER-funded staff bloat drew fire ahead of an April 29 vote. The Lynchburg City Council/School Board Joint Committee Meets at City Hall on April 3rd, 2025 The meeting : April 3 at 5 p.m., the committee’s final session cut 40+ suggestions to seven, set for a joint council-school board meeting on April 29 at 4 p.m., 3550 Young Pl. Key moves : CIP funds : Kept recommendation reversing $68M capital plan to $30M-$20M-$10M over FY2026-2030—Committee voted 4-1 to prioritize school repairs over libraries (00:55:33-01:57:06), despite Wilder's opposition. Closure : Voted 4-1 for a second elementary closure in FY2026-27 (C1, 01:36:22-01:41:15)—Norfolk’s $71M surplus school cost over five years cited. Budget hike : Adopted a recommendation for a $5.5M taxpayer boost to LCS’s operating budget—over Misjuns and Timmer’s dissent, who flagged a tax hike propping up ESSER staff hires under ex-Superintendent Crystal Edwards (02:03:33-02:05:00), with enrollment down 5% since 2015 (7,709 vs. 8,137, Table 31 ). ESSER catch : Misjuns said, “Enrollment [is] near 10-year low at 7,709 in 2024, down from 8,137 in 2015…staff is at a 10-year high” (1,317 to 1,518, 01:48:19)—Copeland confirmed ESSER funded it (02:05:00)—an unsustainable burden with no ongoing revenue backing. ESSER funds are one-time federal relief grants provided to schools under the CARES Act and subsequent COVID-19 relief packages to address pandemic-related challenges, like learning loss and facility upgrades, with Lynchburg City Schools receiving $44.4 million. Interim Superintendent Dr. Ben Copeland at the Lynchburg City Council/School Board Joint Committee Meeting By the numbers : $29.7M of $44.4M ESSER funds (66.95%) spent on LCS pay and benefits (ESSER dashboard)—staff costs dominate. $4.68M (10.53%) of ESSER on capital outlay—vs. 22.9% statewide average (ESSER dashboard)—repairs lag. $6.25M in roof needs flagged (Misjuns, 00:41:00)—tied to capital, not staff costs. $71M wasted in Norfolk over five years—enrollment-driven surplus (Norfolk resolution). What’s good : $30M CIP and closure target waste—ESSER overreach exposed. What’s missing : $5.5M operating hike would hit taxpayers wallet even harder than the City Manager's proposed $9.6 million tax increase. Co-chairs Dr. Martin Day (school board) and Dr. Sterling Wilder (City Council) at the Lynchburg City Council/School Board Joint Committee Meeting The kicker : Misjuns and Timmer balked at $5.5M—why tax more when ESSER bloat and shrinking enrollment scream cuts, not cash? Sources : Joint meeting video (4/3/25), Norfolk resolution , FY2024 City of Lynchburg ACFR VDOE ESSER dashboard .

House fire at 102 Warren Ave at approximately 8:30 AM this morning A devastating fire tore through a two-story home on Warren Avenue in Lynchburg, Virginia, Wednesday morning, hospitalizing five residents and leaving the structure a total loss, according to WSET ( wset.com ). The blaze, reported around 8:15 a.m. by neighbors who spotted heavy black smoke, prompted a swift response from the Lynchburg Fire Department (LFD), per WFXR ( wfxrtv.com ). Firefighters arrived to find flames engulfing both the front and rear of the wooden home, WDBJ7 reported ( wdbj7.com ). Several residents had escaped but reported others remained trapped inside, triggering an immediate search-and-rescue operation detailed by Andre Whitehead on Facebook ( Whitehead Media Ventures ). Crews located two people—one was carried out the front door, while another was rescued via ladder from a second-floor window. Of the five residents taken to Lynchburg General Hospital, three suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while two with severe injuries were airlifted to regional medical centers, Whitehead noted. One firefighter sustained a minor burn but was treated and released, per WSET. Fire crews on the scene of 102 Warren Ave after the fire was under control The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the LFD Fire Marshal’s Office, with no determination yet announced. LFD Chief Bush urged residents to maintain working smoke detectors and fire exit plans, offering assistance at 434-455-6340, as quoted by Whitehead. WDBJ7’s gallery ( wdbj7.com ) showed the home reduced to charred remains. Aftermath of house fire at 102 Warren Avenue in Lynchburg The incident marks a stark reminder of fire safety as the community rallies around those affected.

Miller Park Pool in Lynchburg, Virginia What’s Happening : Lynchburg’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY2026-2030 proposes demolishing and rebuilding Miller Park Pool, with a total cost—principal and interest—pegged at over $14.5 million. The Pitch : City bureaucrats insist on a full $7.3 million rebuild, ignoring a councilmember’s query about cheaper fixes like repairing the leak and adding privacy fencing (unanswered in the 3/18/2025 budget response ). Sunk Cost Push : Bureaucrats argue the project must proceed, citing $50,000 in prior appropriations—likely design costs—as justification (per FY2026-2030 CIP). Limited Use : Last year’s schedule—66 days total (June 1–9 weekends: 4 days; June 10–August 2 daily: 54 days; August 3–25 weekends: 8 days)—with 1-6 PM hours, equals 330 hours. That’s just 3.77% of the year’s 8,760 hours, likely making it the city’s most limited-use asset. Competing Needs : School infrastructure crumbles ($60 million proposed over five years), fire stations falter, and roads beg for repair—priorities dwarfing a seasonal splash pad. Miller Park Pool in Lynchburg, VA The Question : Does $50,000 spent really justify $14.5 million more, when year-round essentials are on the line? Lynchburg’s budget docs ( 3/11/2025 CIP presentation , FY2026-2030 plan ) show a clear choice: fix what’s broken or dive into a costly luxury.

TC Miller Elementary School in Lynchburg, Virginia. Lynchburg, VA —A joint city council and school board committee endorsed converting T.C. Miller Elementary into a pre-K hub, saving $1 million, and rejected new school construction through FY2030, citing costs beyond the $68 million capital budget. With a $2.8 million FY2026 operating gap and a $4.2 million spending hike in a $9.6 million tax increase, one closure falls short—Norfolk’s $71 million lesson says more cuts could save Lynchburg taxpayers. The pitch : T.C. Miller shifts to pre-K by August 2025, consolidating 10 classrooms from three schools, saving $1M in operating costs without cuts, says Interim Superintendent Ben Copeland. Full board vote April 1—not budgeted yet. The budgets : City Manager Wynter Benda proposes $4.2M more in operating funds (Budget p. 187), part of a $9.6M tax hike—schools sought $7M, leaving a $2.8M operating gap. Separately, $68M in capital funds over five years targets maintenance. Why it matters : Enrollment’s at 72% capacity (3,388 vs. 4,702)—below the 80-94% consultants recommend—and dropping through 2030 (UVA), pushing efficiency needs. Surplus capacity bleeds taxpayer cash. K-5 Enrollment Data and Projections for Lynchburg City Schools. By the numbers : T.C. Miller : $1M operating savings—if approved, gap falls to $1.8M. May 2023 LCS data : One closure + rezoning = $2.357M operating savings—adjusted to $2.43M (2025 dollars, 3% CPI). With T.C. Miller’s $1M, a second closure hits $3.43M—covers the $2.8M operating gap, not the $4.2M hike. Capacity : 4,702 - 276 (T.C. Miller) = 4,426; 3,388 students = 77%—under 80% target (3,762). Pre-K shift + another closure could hit it. No new school : Deputy City Manager Greg Patrick said a new build needs extra capital beyond the $68M—committee’s 4-1 vote nixes it through FY2030. Maintenance : Committee flagged deferred needs; Copeland confirmed no capital funds for the next closure school. The Roof of Sandusky Elementary School in Lynchburg, Virginia. What’s good : $1M trims operating waste, pre-K hub eases K-5 pressure—taxpayers get relief (#13). What’s missing : $3.43M from two closures fixes the $2.8M operating gap—but $4.2M operating boost still bites. The kicker : In a parallel situation, Norfolk’s council says surplus schools cost taxpayers $71M over five years (2018-2022)—their 10-school closure push dwarfs Lynchburg’s plan, where a second closure could save $2.43M atop T.C. Miller’s $1M, hitting $3.43M to erase the $2.8M gap. Why pile on to the $9.6M tax hike with enrollment falling? More Details: Norfolk Parallel: Norfolk’s council unanimously voted (March 25, 2025) to close 10 schools by 2026-2027, citing $71M in excess spending from surplus capacity over five years—parallels Lynchburg’s inefficiency. Budgets : Operating ($2.8M gap, $4.2M hike) vs. capital ($68M for maintenance)—closures target operating savings; no maintenance for the next closure school. Norfolk’s $71M wake-up call amplifies Lynchburg’s stakes—$3.43M could nix the gap, but the tax hike lingers. How much are surplus schools costing Lynchburg taxpayers? Sources : News & Advance (3/23/25) & (3/30/25) , FY2026 budget (p. 187), joint committee doc , LCS May 2023 , UVA projections , April 2023 plan, joint meeting video (Greg Patrick comments), Norfolk City Council Resolution .

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