Albemarle County residents express concerns over proposed school board salary increases

The Albemarle School Board meeting on June 12, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding proposed salary increases for board members amid ongoing budget constraints. Community members expressed strong opinions on the appropriateness of these raises, particularly in light of recent budget cuts that have affected staff positions and programs.

One speaker highlighted the disparity between the potential salary increase for board members—up to 64%—and the modest 3% raise anticipated for staff. This individual urged the board to reconsider the timing of their compensation adjustments, suggesting that a more modest increase would better reflect the current financial challenges faced by the school system and its employees.

Conversely, another community member, Heidi Gillman Bennett, voiced support for increased compensation for board members, arguing that a professional school board requires adequate pay to attract qualified candidates. She emphasized the extensive time commitment involved in board duties and the need for compensation that reflects this reality. However, she also acknowledged community concerns about the optics of raising salaries during a budget crunch and called for greater accountability and engagement from board members with the public.

The discussions underscored a tension between the need for fair compensation for board members and the financial realities impacting the school district. As the board considers its next steps, the community remains watchful of how these decisions will affect both governance and the broader educational environment in Albemarle County.