WILLIAMSBURG – The Williamsburg-James City County School Board voted down a proposed amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Tuesday that would have funded lacrosse as a Virginia High School League sport.
Board Member Michael Hosang introduced the motion during the May 19 meeting at Berkeley Middle School, saying athletics offer important lessons for students.
“Athletics has a lot to teach our students. Teamwork. Perseverance. Hard work. Leadership. Competitiveness,” Hosang said.
Hosang said students and parents had renewed interest in the sport after previously being told it was too late in the budget process to consider adding lacrosse.
“Students and parents have come to us in a timely fashion and we have the opportunity to tell them yes and not to come back again next year,” he said.
Hosang proposed funding the program by reducing a planned compensation study increase for employees. “Employees are not entitled to this increase and nothing is being taken away from employees by a quarter percent,” he said.
A compensation study evaluates employee pay and benefits, including salaries, leave and bonuses, and compares them with averages in similar school divisions and nearby districts.
Hosang also responded to criticism from employees, saying “everyone commenting that this proposal is taking away their pay raise is misinformed.”
Board Member Ty Hodges cited logistical and financial concerns, saying adding lacrosse would place the division at a disadvantage in the Bay Rivers District.
“If we were to move forward and add lacrosse as a VHSL sport, we would be an albatross in the Bay Rivers District as the only schools to have lacrosse,” Hodges said. He noted the nearest programs are in Richmond and the Virginia Beach area, raising transportation concerns.
“The realist in me just recognizes that the landscape is just not right for it right now,” he said.
Board Member Kimberly Hundley said she supports adding lacrosse but does not believe it fits within the current budget.
“I just feel like, budget-wise, it’s not feasible at this time,” Hundley said. “Not now doesn’t mean not ever.”
Board Member Daniel Cavazos said lacrosse would provide another opportunity for student development.
“It’s an important way for children and our students to learn how to cooperate and become leaders and play another sport,” Cavazos said.
Vice Chair Randy Riffle said the budget already includes athletics-related investments, including increased stipends and a new assistant athletic director position.
Following discussion, the board voted down the amendment. Hosang and Cavazos voted in favor, while all other members voted against it.
