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Hanover school board approves FY26 budget that raises teacher pay scales, funds trades center expansion
Summary
Hanover County Public Schools presented and the school board approved an operating budget that includes a 3 percent across‑the‑board raise, a $4.5 million teacher‑scale investment (average additional 3.8 percent), and an $8.5 million initial appropriation to expand the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology.
Hanover County Public Schools leaders presented the school board‑approved fiscal year 2026 request to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 26. The school board’s package includes a 3 percent pay increase for all eligible employees plus a targeted, multi‑million‑dollar lift to the teacher salary scale intended to improve recruitment and retention.
Dr. Lisa Penicuff, interim superintendent, said the board unanimously approved a plan that adds approximately $4.5 million to lift the teacher salary scale. The district estimates teachers would receive an average additional increase of 3.8 percent on top of the 3 percent raise, producing an average total increase for teachers near 6.8 percent.
The division also requested $8.5 million in FY26 capital funding to expand the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology; that appropriation appears in the school capital plan and is listed in year‑one of the county’s proposed five‑year CIP.
Why it matters: the package seeks to address teacher pay competitiveness and shortages in hard‑to‑fill roles. Penicuff said the division ranks highly on statewide metrics — graduation rates and SOL pass rates — and that the budget emphasizes support for the workforce that delivers instruction. The trades‑center expansion is intended to expand CTE seats and local workforce pipelines.
Other items in the school plan - School operating fund proposed increase about 6.3 percent overall; local funding comprises about 49.8 percent of operating sources in the proposed FY26 plan. - Two school psychologist interns proposed to increase assessment capacity and help build a pipeline for a critical shortage area. - Continuation of a substitute incentive program begun with one‑time ESSER funds. - Continued funding for middle‑school track and field and other extracurricular supports. - CIP: Mechanicsville Elementary formally identified as the next replacement school (design work in later years), and the plan continues other campus‑style replacements in the 10‑year window.
Board interaction and next steps: school leaders thanked county staff and supervisors for the collaborative process; the county’s adoption of the administrator’s budget will determine final school funding. The schools will return to the school board after the county adopts its budget and following any state budget changes.
Ending: Penicuff said the budget prioritizes support for students and staff and that the school division will monitor state budget actions and adjust as needed.
