The Mathews Board of Supervisors and Mathews School Board seemed closer to a consensus on school funding at the end of a joint budget workshop held last Thursday afternoon in the historic courthouse. Originally looking at a budget of $9.4 million for FY2026-2027, the school board reduced its request for local funding to $9.1 million before a joint budget workshop held on Feb. 24. But, with County Administrator Ramona Wilson’s budget allowing just $8.5 million for schools, the two boards at that time appeared to be at an impasse. At the beginning of last week’s meeting, supervisors’ chair Tom Bowen said he hoped the two boards could address “some difficult issues,” including the possibility of the school board raising additional funds by charging for school lunches, lab fees, gym fees and other costs. He said he thought the two boards could “come up with a fair budget that will not jeopardize the progress the schools have made.” Mathews School Board chair Dr. Mari Gibbs said she appreci...