Though members of boards of supervisors in Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties are not proposing any tax increases — keeping the financial burden on those who own property, especially real estate, as low as possible — it’s of paramount importance that supervisors work with school leaders in fine-tuning their respective fiscal year budgets.

The Cumberland County School Board is asking the county for $300,000 more compared to the existing fiscal year in funding for the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year. Prince Edward’s school board is seeking $316,996 in additional funding. Buckingham’s school board is not requesting additional funding compared to this fiscal year.

The intentions of school leaders in Prince Edward and Cumberland, along with Buckingham, are to provide the best education possible to the students within their respective divisions. Cumberland and Prince Edward school officials believe to do this they need additional funding, whether it be a pay raise for teachers, additional money for instruction or more money for transportation.

The intention of county supervisors is to operate and provide the best and most appropriate services to those who live in the county, whether it involves public safety, solid waste, government operations, capital improvements and education.

We’ve said many times that education is the best place any community can invest in to make the most impact for those who live, work and play there. It’s also true that counties need good vehicles for police to use, staff to oversee county departments and safe places for people — both young and old — to recreate.

We urge county supervisors and school board members to work together to find common ground in their budget requests to best satisfy the needs of both county government operations and public education, both of which are much needed.