PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- The Petersburg School Board approved a nearly $90 million budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year on Wednesday. During a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, board members moved to advance a budget proposal that would fund Petersburg City Public Schools for the next fi scal year. This proposed budget adds up to $89,018,327, the school board said at the meeting. The school district's spending priorities for fiscal year 2026 include bringing more staff into PCPS, improving teacher quality and academic infrastructure, addressing student attendance and more. ‘It’s been terrible’: Local allergist weighs in on spring allergy season Per school board documents, some of these spending amounts include $162,400 for parent liaisons to address chronic absenteeism, $375,000 to offer 50 new hires $7,500 signing bonuses and $90,000 for athletic trainers. The current plan is for Petersburg City Council to receive this budget proposal by April 1. If it approves said proposal -- which the school division said should happen by May 15 -- then these spending plans will go into effect. ...read more read less