Community advocates call for competitive teacher salaries in Urbanna schools

The Proposed Budget Public Hearing for Middlesex County, Virginia, held on April 21, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding school funding and teacher compensation. The meeting featured various stakeholders, including educators and parents, who voiced their concerns regarding the current budget and its implications for the local school system.

The session began with a call for improved teacher salaries to retain quality staff. One speaker emphasized the need for a "consistent, happy staff" at schools, noting that teacher morale directly impacts student performance. The speaker expressed hope that state assistance could help make salaries more competitive, as current pay levels were described as insufficient, leading to high turnover rates among teachers.

Dawn Moore, a local resident, raised concerns about the county's comparisons to other regions, particularly Gloucester, which has a more substantial tax base and better funding for schools. She argued that such comparisons were unfair and detrimental to Middlesex County, as they do not reflect the local economic realities. Moore highlighted the challenges of retaining teachers, citing frequent use of substitutes due to staff departures for better-paying positions elsewhere.

Mr. Reed, a representative from the school board, acknowledged the hard work of the school system's staff and reiterated the difficulties in increasing salaries without adequate funding. He expressed a desire for more collaboration and trust between the school board and the county supervisors, emphasizing that the budget was crafted with careful consideration and no unnecessary expenditures.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater community engagement in decision-making processes. Residents expressed a desire for more direct communication from elected officials regarding significant budgetary decisions, suggesting that town hall meetings could facilitate better dialogue and understanding of community needs.

Overall, the hearing underscored the urgent need for increased funding for education in Middlesex County, with a focus on improving teacher compensation and fostering a supportive environment for both educators and students. The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning budgetary decisions with the realities faced by the community, ensuring that local schools can thrive and provide quality education.