The Isle of Wight County School Board adopted its fiscal 2026 budget May 29, approving a $100,847,997 spending plan that uses newly announced state revenue to increase staff pay, add step increases and fund one-time retention bonuses.

Board members voted 3-2 to adopt the budget after staff told the board the Commonwealth awarded the division about $1.2 million in additional state funds. Superintendent Dr. Kramer said the division recommends using the bulk of those dollars to raise the previously approved 3% pay increase to 4% and to fund step increases for teachers and clinicians. Staff estimated the additional 1% increase will cost $466,231 and the step increases another $451,458.

At the same meeting the board approved a one-time retention bonus funded separately: full-time returning employees will receive $1,000 and part-time returning employees $500. Staff said the net pay to full-time employees after taxes for the $1,000 bonus was estimated at about $646; part-time employees’ net was estimated at about $323. The board approved the retention bonus unanimously.

Board members debated whether to honor the division’s previously set priority list of budget items. Some members raised concerns that adding the higher pay and step increases displaced other board priorities; others argued the state funds represent a unique opportunity to prioritize employee pay and that pay increases affect long-term retirement benefits under VRS.

The board also approved the following personnel and pay-scale actions as part of the FY26 package:

- Adopted the revised pay scales reflecting a 4% increase for teachers and clinicians and changes to several support-staff daily substitute rates (motion passed unanimously).

- Approved a $3,500 stipend to fund a certified CPR trainer position so building staff can be certified to meet the state mandate requiring a percentage of certified staff per building.

- Reallocated $13,578 that had been set for school leadership teams to fleet services (parts and supplies) after a board vote to move the allocation; the final budget document remains unchanged in total dollars.

- Reallocated one teaching position into a registered behavioral technician (RBT) position and a welding instructional assistant (IA); the board approved the motion unanimously.

- Approved the FY26 personnel roster as presented; board members confirmed no personnel-roster changes were required following their budget votes.

On the FY26 budget motion, the roll call recorded yes votes from Kolick, Cunningham and Marsh and no votes from Perkins and Wooster. Other votes on related personnel and pay-scale motions were recorded as unanimous yes votes where indicated in meeting minutes.