Virginia Beach considers pay scale updates to boost teacher salaries and retention efforts

In a pivotal School Board Workshop held on January 28, 2025, Virginia Beach City Public Schools officials emphasized the urgent need to enhance employee compensation to improve recruitment and retention efforts. The meeting highlighted a proposed update to the pay scale, aiming to ensure that all eligible employees, including teachers, receive at least a 3% salary increase.

Dr. Robertson underscored the importance of competitive entry rates for teachers, particularly in comparison to Chesapeake Public Schools, which has been a benchmark for local salary competitiveness. The district is currently ranked seventh in local market pay, and officials are determined to improve this standing to attract and retain quality staff.

Two primary options for updating the unified pay scale were presented. Option A proposes a 1.5% increase for the first 14 years of service, resulting in an estimated cost of $20.7 million. In contrast, Option B suggests a 3% increase but maintains a slower growth rate for early-career employees, costing approximately $10.7 million. Both options guarantee a minimum 3% increase for all eligible employees, but Option A is seen as a more comprehensive solution to address foundational pay structure issues.

The discussion also included a detailed assessment of the teacher pay scale, revealing that while Virginia Beach has made strides in increasing teacher salaries, it still lags behind competitors. The entry-level salary for teachers has seen a modest increase, but neighboring districts have raised their starting rates significantly, prompting concerns about Virginia Beach's ability to attract new educators.

Three options for teacher pay increases were proposed: a 5% increase, a 4% increase, and a 3% increase, with respective costs of $26.7 million, $22.5 million, and $18.4 million. Each option supports an overall 3% increase for all eligible employees, but the 5% increase would align Virginia Beach's starting pay more closely with Chesapeake's rates.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a commitment to addressing these pay scale challenges, recognizing that competitive salaries are crucial for fostering a successful educational environment. The School Board is expected to deliberate on these proposals in the coming weeks, with the goal of implementing changes that will benefit both employees and students alike.