Virginia school board proposes budget with 6% raise for lowest paid employees

The Harrisonburg City School Board is taking significant steps to enhance educational quality and support for staff in its upcoming budget proposal. Central to the discussion was the need for increased funding to ensure that all teachers receive equitable raises, particularly in light of state-defined standards for a "high-quality education."

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the state’s current funding model only supports a fraction of the teaching staff, leaving many educators without the raises they deserve. The proposed budget includes a 3% raise for teachers, which would cost approximately $2.8 million. However, the board expressed a commitment to provide a 6% raise for the lowest-paid employees, such as custodians and instructional assistants, to better reflect their contributions.

In addition to salary adjustments, the board is addressing the critical shortage of substitute teachers by proposing increased pay to attract more candidates. This move aims to ensure that classrooms remain staffed and that students receive uninterrupted instruction.

The budget also emphasizes the need for additional support in special education, with plans to hire 40 new full-time equivalent positions, including six leads dedicated to enhancing services for students with special needs. This decision aligns with the board's strategic plan and reflects feedback from staff regarding the growing demands in this area.

While the budget proposal is ambitious, it acknowledges the limitations of available resources. The board has compiled a list of 22 positions that could not be funded this year, indicating a recognition of the ongoing challenges in meeting all educational needs.

As the board prepares to finalize the budget, the focus remains on ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed, while also valuing the hard work of all staff members. The next steps will involve further discussions and adjustments before the budget is officially adopted.