In a recent government meeting, school officials outlined their priorities for the upcoming budget, emphasizing the need for significant salary increases for teachers and other staff. The discussions highlighted the disparity between the starting salary for teachers in the district, currently at $35,000, and the state average of $68,000. This gap has raised concerns, especially as neighboring Rockbridge County has increased their starting pay to $48,000.

The school board plans to hold a public hearing on the budget before their meeting on November 13, with further discussions scheduled for late November or early December. Officials expressed urgency in addressing salary scales for various positions, including nurses, secretaries, and administrators, many of whom have not seen significant pay adjustments in recent years.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of competitive health benefits, which have been positively received by staff. However, there remains a need to evaluate the overall compensation package, including retirement benefits, to ensure it remains attractive compared to other districts.

The board is expected to prioritize these salary adjustments as they prepare for the budget discussions, recognizing the critical role that competitive pay plays in retaining quality educators and staff.