Cumberland County Board approves record $103M school budget with $14.1M teacher salary hike

Cumberland County Schools has taken a significant step towards enhancing educational funding and support for its staff during the Board of Education meeting held on May 13, 2025. The board unanimously approved a budget of over $103 million, marking a historic increase of $14.1 million from the previous year, aimed primarily at boosting teacher and classified staff supplements.

The budget proposal, presented by the Budget and Finance Committee, outlines a strategic allocation of funds that includes a 3% salary raise and a $1,000 bonus for classified staff, contingent on state budget approvals. Notably, the budget also proposes a substantial increase in teacher supplements, which will rise from 2% to 6% of classified staff salaries, significantly benefiting employees with lower salaries.

The meeting highlighted the importance of this budget in addressing inflationary pressures and ensuring competitive compensation for educators. The board emphasized that the majority of the new funding will be directed towards staff salaries, reinforcing the district's commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators.

In addition to the budget approval, the board discussed various committee reports, all of which were included in the consent agenda, indicating a streamlined approach to governance. The auxiliary services and student support services committees reported that all items were on the consent agenda, reflecting a consensus on operational matters.

As the district prepares to submit the approved budget to the county commissioners, the board remains focused on the implications of state budget negotiations, particularly concerning teacher raises and funding for educational programs. The board's proactive stance aims to ensure that Cumberland County Schools can continue to provide quality education and support for its students and staff in the coming year.