The Mathews County School Board unanimously adopted its proposed 2016-2017 budget on Tuesday night, a budget that calls for $7.9 million in county funds, an increase of $558,627 from the current funding level.

The $14.15 million budget will be delivered later this week to County Administrator Mindy Conner for the consideration of the Mathews County Board of Supervisors.

“At first glance, it may appear that we’re overreaching,” vice chairman Linda Hodges said of the budget request, but upon further examination, the supervisors will see there are “really no frills …. we’re just filling in the gaps” caused by deep cuts made to the budget following the recent economic downturn.

This budget, she said, “clearly reflects the needs of our students … I hope that the board of supervisors will consider this.”

The adopted budget includes several additions made following a public hearing/budget work session on March 8—a fourth ...