[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6039603,"mediaKeyId","3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb","parentId",3783888,"title","School board agrees to absorb health premium rise; leaders say state funds and savings should cover teacher steps and bonuses","audioSeconds",2387,"startMs",3181000,"endMs",5568000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb&start=3181&end=5568","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb/thumbnail_3181000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6039603/Virginia/School-board-agrees-to-absorb-health-premium-rise-leaders-say-state-funds-and-savings-should-cover-teacher-steps-and-bonuses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6039603-0ee7513c7de3121661e111343039228a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135111&Signature=dvDZZUpLKkFJeryZcnW~L5cswC1oLJZEX8suWlQKsAmvLJ-7H1CaMHnzucaoxhGkZYsPyNCccr9zrneqtWKcx1lJv9D75n5lpYd-~-gbthDYNJ0E2DZ2Dw6KiPI~gQc8nq7jR-Lzc-IGZlh3Yzip9BwvZHydFkss6grPCClR-beidHboiCWbOCY1k8arl3a-OmdoMa2nzw3S2NaYQzu3iqM0WH4STe9zNNSLvgUmcQqRBE69WcOExfB-JUP1mURtzBY4d9oLxvZCc91XMq89blNktJ16-3yrcg2IBaUNhYkINy42NlT28qbxIx1~uReE6-DB9Ra95P1LUyYsdqQsxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Isle of Wight County Schools","date","2025-05-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Isle of Wight County School Board voted May 8 to adopt the 2025–26 health insurance program rates and to absorb a 22% increase in premiums rather than raising employees’ monthly contributions.

That decision followed public comment from teachers urging restored step increases and months of staff briefings showing a projected year-end surplus and additional state revenue that board leaders said can cover both the health plan shortfall and planned pay actions.

The issue drew several teachers into public comment. Amy Carr, a grade teacher at Windsor Elementary, said low pay is forcing experienced colleagues to leave: \"You shouldn't want to lose me or other teachers just like me to neighboring school districts who are paying so much more.\" Reading interventionist Caitlin Britt told the board \"What is a step? A step is a year of service,\" and said freezing steps harms retention. Reading intervention teacher Elizabeth Everett said step pay \"should just be a part of your working budget.\"

Board discussion focused on timing and trade-offs between absorbing insurance cost increases and preserving pay priorities. Staff reported a 22% premium increase from the insurer and said the division's open enrollment materials were time sensitive and dependent on adoption of the new rates. Finance staff projected the health insurance fund would run a shortfall this fiscal year and that the division would likely draw on reserves to cover claims; the stop‑loss policy limit was described as $125,000 per employee per covered event.

School staff projected several offsetting items: roughly $3.0 million in year‑to‑date salary-and-benefit savings from vacancies and attrition; an expected $1.2 million in additional state revenue under the final state budget calculations; and an estimated $750,000 needed to extend a $1,000 bonus to all employees (the governor and General Assembly had provided a $1,000 payment for SOQ‑funded positions that requires no local match). Superintendent Dr. Kramer said the additional state funding “should be able to cover the school board's number 1 priority of a step increase, and that was estimated about 521,000.”

Board members also emphasized a follow‑up effort with county supervisors to study long‑term health‑plan design and to seek alignment between county and school division coverage. Members said county leaders have expressed willingness to work with the division on options to reduce premiums and improve benefits; board members stressed that such work will continue in the next budget cycle.

Motion and vote: Board member (Chair) Marsh moved to approve the 2025–26 health insurance program rates as presented. The motion passed with a roll call (Mr. Kolick voted no; Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Wooster and Chair Marsh voted yes). Staff warned that delaying approval would force the division to postpone open enrollment and delay printed benefit materials for employees.

The board scheduled continued budget work, including a special board meeting on May 29 to finalize the fiscal‑year 2026 budget, confirm the step increases and consider how to apply one‑time savings and recurring revenue without creating an unsustainable recurring commitment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 5/8/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Isle of Wight County School Board voted May 8 to adopt 2025–26 health insurance rates and absorb a 22% premium increase rather than passing costs to employees, while board and staff said projected savings and expected state revenue should allow teacher step increases and a one‑time $1,000 bonus.","taxTitle","ISLE OF WIGHT CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",61488,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6039587,"Board hears updates on buses, HVAC and roofing projects; three new buses have arrived",278,11453000,11731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb&start=11453&end=11731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb/thumbnail_11453000.jpg","/articles/6039587/Virginia/Board-hears-updates-on-buses-HVAC-and-roofing-projects-three-new-buses-have-arrived","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6039587-72c322ac2e5c1335f31de682fa5815b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135111&Signature=NCR~RBWt~J353cQY2q8k38YAWT0dFUzrRaTcYMfI6XZt9Dw1Z7txIwRkZ5QepHq3DQ~XAZky~ZdnU9L-~dGODO1A0G5tM9Z~CQjwJicM9C5WnvjL3pJ-OK7Wf3la-8ldBxzmy93P4etKDN~azazmf0q0O5a3rp8Xfr~9F3LmhetQaxAoJclr2mtv0AClp2t8g6WiyvSHq1WQC6Vw5xTIkkm6QbpV6fz5w-OScVfw07H1oreHa8qvvyIbR07iA7sCbvHQ2ITa8AN6tcV8hW7RUV-RDZFIh57-IoSnLLX5v8OyKzTAQNLn13PgxUg1T8ch6x2gySVZ768JBrsQkYtMXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Operations staff updated the board on transportation and facilities work, including new buses, roofing, HVAC and field/milling schedules.

Transportation: Staff reported three of five new school buses have arrived and the remaining two were expected later in May; the district intends to issue a new letter of intent to start the next purchasing cycle. Parents at affected schools will get information about route changes when finalized.

Facilities: Roofing repairs at Windsor High and Smithfield Middle are underway; production slowed briefly for SOL testing but continued on weekends. Smithfield High’s paving schedule was adjusted to avoid senior nights and other events; crews were scheduled to mill and pave on May 19 subject to weather and activities.

HVAC: Carrollton Elementary HVAC replacement work is starting May 19 in non‑instructional areas. Staff explained the accepted low bid for the Carrollton HVAC contract came in at about $5.7 million, below a planning estimate of $7.4 million; officials cautioned that additional costs (temporary storage, furniture moves, relocation logistics) still add to project totals.

Other repairs: Staff listed several unanticipated repairs completed or in progress, including drainage and smoke‑detector work at the land lab, repaired field lights and tennis court drainage pipe issues, replacement of the Windsor High weight room HVAC, and concession‑stand fixes needed to pass health inspections. Staff said some smaller projects didn’t meet capital request deadlines and are being handled as operating repairs.

Board members thanked staff for coordinating around school events and for prioritizing safety. No formal action was required beyond continuing project oversight and scheduling.","Operations staff told the board that three of five new buses have been delivered, HVAC and roofing projects are underway at multiple schools, and unexpected repairs and summer scheduling are being managed to avoid disrupting events.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6039592,"Students honored at Isle of Wight board meeting; projects range from robotics to a community mural for Virginia 250",554,2322000,2876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb&start=2322&end=2876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb/thumbnail_2322000.jpg","/articles/6039592/Virginia/Students-honored-at-Isle-of-Wight-board-meeting-projects-range-from-robotics-to-a-community-mural-for-Virginia-250","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6039592-1d75b945510ed33933181a7ff99f0243/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135111&Signature=mYBt9A~TQ091alCsYXCGwwFPlA5NACpeB~OhoiSW1kWr5M4ik~ZGHR9GjkU-mMKWHBIXf693qHCrdcPivHGlLb5aTPuqcDPIrykFnSnLJcv2SOHm~GDX-5YH4MGYVLI2H71YusufO~ETLVJOtC~UnSICi1Pb1Vo~yOrpAkquTzRCt2YuAlhNFIKGlf2mZgRS0lWnUoEcrpu5JNE69nEX2ooxFT1sJwcPcW08ZHSBeGycXNZQVGNqCRQvY1KaZtf0jGLvLf6~0wzrRF0C9j7elB59pY0YVjSu3DTXpTBORrdF31iM~JaBzlpjVK-~TJySvA9BcstedDQnHeFC~wq3Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Isle of Wight County School Board opened its May 8 meeting with a lengthy Achievers segment recognizing students across the division for academic, technical and artistic accomplishments.

Superintendent representatives and principals announced seniors and student teams from multiple schools. Windsor High senior Daniella Grabowiki Cardenas was named Windsor High senior of the month; Smithville High senior Donnie Deberry received a senior recognition and plans to attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The board spotlighted multiple Great Computer Challenge placements for Windsor High teams and several Smithville High students who placed at the 2025 SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference.

Smithville High robotics students Emily Miller and John Worthington won gold in the mobile robotics technology competition and qualified to compete at the national SkillsUSA championship in Atlanta in June. Amberlynn Frucci and Vincent Jamie Sawyer earned bronze in an urban search‑and‑rescue robotics competition. The welding program and other Career and Technical Education (CTE) students were recognized for state and regional placements.

Middle school teams were recognized for the Kid Win renewable‑energy competition: Smithville Middle sent six teams to the state challenge after strong regional showings. The board also recognized art and technology students who built projects for the district’s robotics, engineering and computer competitions.

Separately, staff described the division’s Virginia 250 work, an initiative tied to the state’s 250th‑anniversary programming. Instructional coordinator Tiffany Truitt summarized two years of student projects: a student‑designed mural in the community room at Sentara St. Luke’s that depicts local historic sites; a student podcast series and website called “Revolutionary Roots” produced by Windsor and Smithfield High students; and a recent Gifted and Talented evening featuring about 400 students’ performances and projects. Sentara St. Luke’s and the Isle of Wight County Museum partnered with schools for research, site visits and public displays.

Board members praised the teachers and students. Dr. Truitt said the projects combined curriculum standards with community partnerships and produced cross‑disciplinary student work in research, creative writing, art and media production. The superintendent and several board members said the projects have drawn regional attention and will continue in 2026, including planned participation in the Sail 250 program next year.","The board recognized students and teachers for academic and career-technical achievements, including SkillsUSA medals, regional Kid Win placements, robotics gold qualifying for Nationals, and student work on a Virginia 250 mural and podcast series.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6039597,"Board raises out‑of‑county tuition to $6,250; members cite fairness, small enrollment",401,6465000,6866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb&start=6465&end=6866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783888-d5fdfc9ebe08676700a77b34e3923ddb/thumbnail_6465000.jpg","/articles/6039597/Virginia/Board-raises-outofcounty-tuition-to-6250-members-cite-fairness-small-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6039597-20373279af6edd7b5cf1bf3a9b531fcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135111&Signature=WIf7mWG8Xciap4-m4kMGSWVVz~9YHVzW1g0xdWOTjU7jhALnjRWNMUa4QOjOswbdkrLgirR~fXgeohHtnkEwtWHN~LvavGDZjmeFjbWgeCIp2Jquc8WZJmoA5J~pP7hWxVTiZkjc9AGiMPIxDGjGHqILgDH06yO9oDiG1PbkYkChZqnbkXuA3YJCq2MoVU0STdBuKCBn3aIENRknz40rSZc2OsrpKHMMgMVgqJEQmxSVDAKrVUAyJgKJNzTKy~dXTyrCjap1gQk4NmaG0ROZVl5o-KCohZgAmcWt5fw~MVFqqNs81caUlLcTUIEwfrswKhe1tqvBB-pdoI29DZ1rrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Isle of Wight County School Board voted May 8 to set the 2025–26 tuition rate for students who do not reside in the county at $6,250 per student.

The board began by considering a move to $6,000, then discussed current-year rates and how much the county effectively contributes per out‑of‑county pupil. Staff said the current school‑year tuition was $5,750; a staff estimate showed the county’s current per‑student cost could be roughly $900 higher than the proposed tuition if the county’s contribution and funded average daily membership (ADM) were applied differently.

Board members said they were mindful of county taxpayers and the ongoing county budget deliberations. Vice Chair Mr. Wooster moved to set the rate at $6,250 per student; the motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes. Board members noted the number of out‑of‑county students is small—staff estimated no more than 10–15 students—and that phasing increases avoids a single large jump.

Board members also discussed a longer‑term review of tuition policy and the interaction with the county budget. No change to the board’s authority under state code was proposed; staff cited the action as consistent with section 22.1‑5 of the Code of Virginia on tuition for nonresidents.

The new rate will be used for budgeting and tuition invoicing for the coming school year.","The Isle of Wight County School Board voted to increase tuition for students who live outside the county to $6,250 for 2025–26 after debate about the county subsidy per student and the small number of nonresident pupils.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board agrees to absorb health premium rise; leaders say state funds and savings should cover teacher steps and bonuses

Board hears updates on buses, HVAC and roofing projects; three new buses have arrived

Students honored at Isle of Wight board meeting; projects range from robotics to a community mural for Virginia 250

Board raises out‑of‑county tuition to $6,250; members cite fairness, small enrollment