Lynchburg Schools seek $5.5M for pay raises and staffing improvements

The Lynchburg City Council Joint School Board Meeting held on February 18, 2025, focused on critical budgetary needs and operational challenges facing the school system. The meeting began with discussions on the current financial landscape, highlighting a budget of $39 million, which remains constrained despite ongoing needs for instructional assistants, maintenance personnel, and specialized teachers.

A significant point raised was the uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, particularly in light of potential executive orders that could impact grants for economically disadvantaged and special education students. The council noted the importance of effectively utilizing existing funds, such as the $3.8 million received for literacy initiatives, which are now in their second year of obligation.

The meeting also addressed the repercussions of a recent reduction in force, which eliminated 81 full-time equivalent positions, alongside the loss of 39 building-level substitutes due to funding cuts. These staffing challenges have compounded operational difficulties, particularly in maintaining essential services like utilities and software agreements, which have fallen behind due to budget constraints.

A key request presented was for an additional $5.5 million to support various operational needs. This includes funding a 3% pay raise for all employees, moving towards a $17 per hour minimum wage, and addressing health insurance premium increases. The proposal also aims to enhance recruitment efforts by offering starting salaries of $50,000 for new teachers and increasing the number of available substitutes to ensure adequate classroom coverage.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among council members and school board representatives to navigate these financial challenges and ensure the continued support of Lynchburg's educational system. The discussions underscored the pressing need for strategic planning and resource allocation to meet the demands of the current educational environment.