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School board approves $136.6 million FY2025-26 budget; boosts security, restores some step increases
Summary
The Bedford County School Board approved a $136,612,318 fiscal 2025–26 budget on May 8 that restores some employee step increases, increases security equipment funding, and uses short-term state "all in" funds to smooth staffing impacts next year. The board also approved a $950,000 state-funded bonus program and several budget transfers and bids.
The Bedford County School Board approved a $136,612,318 operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 at its May 8 meeting, adopting the finance committee—s recommended revisions after weeks of internal review.
The finance committee—s changes restored about $200,000 for previously frozen step restorations (for clerical, maintenance, garage and health care employees), increased a security-equipment allocation by $150,000 to maintain camera and hardware replacement cycles, and kept $200,000 toward School Resource Officer (SRO) costs to reduce a sharper funding cliff next year. The committee removed an additional 1% cost-of-living increase that would have added roughly $850,000.
Finance director Randy Hagler and committee members said the package balances immediate staff compensation and security needs while acknowledging that staffing standards may be adjusted next year. Hagler told the board the division expects to use remaining COVID-era academic-recovery funds (the division—s "all in" funding) to temporarily offset approximately $580,000 in increased recurring costs for one year; staff warned the offsets will not repeat beyond next year and could require additional cuts in subsequent budgets.
The board approved several related actions at the meeting:
- Supplemental appropriation and employee bonus: The board accepted $950,000 from the state for a one-time $1,000 bonus per eligible employee. Finance staff said the bonus will be treated as a retention payment and will be issued to employees who are returning under contract next year. Hagler said it is planned to be paid in the May paycheck and that any employee who leaves would have the amount deducted from their final paycheck.
- Budget transfers: The board approved a transfer that shifts $200,000 from instruction to maintenance to cover facility needs this year; staff said the change could also free funds for end-of-year bus purchases if available.
- Contracts and procurement: The board awarded a two-year propane contract to Glenwood Energy to lock fuel pricing for the next two heating seasons.
Board members described the budget process as difficult but transparent. Several members emphasized that options presented earlier (including school closures or other deep cuts) were not selected and that the committee tried to protect key programs such as Susie G. Gibson and special-education aids. The finance committee cautioned that next year—s budget will be challenging because some one-time funds and grant support will end and healthcare and SRO costs could rise.
The board moved and seconded the final budget motion (motion by Mr. Knight, second by Mr. Holbrook) and approved it by voice vote. Hagler and staff said contracts and notices to employees are being prepared for issuance in the coming days.
