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Board approves proposed FY2025–26 budget and federal allocations, including IDEA/ESEA; highlights teacher pay and capital work
Summary
The Arlington Board approved the proposed FY2025–26 budget, including allocations for IDEA/ESEA federal funds and a recommended salary package that combines a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment with a step increase (total average 4.5% for employees), plus funding for legacy grant and capital projects.
The Arlington Board of Education approved the proposed FY2025–26 budget and the district’s IDEA/ESEA federal funds allocations after a presentation by Superintendent Allison Clark that detailed pay proposals, program investments and capital projects.
Clark told trustees the plan includes a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a step increase, equating to roughly a 4.5% total salary increase for employees. The proposal also maintains a one‑time Christmas bonus ($1,000 for certified staff and $800 for full‑time classified staff) and preserves the Legacy Grant program. Clark highlighted a targeted pay adjustment for special education instructional assistants and teacher assistants with bachelor’s degrees; the district estimates roughly 24 of 52 paraprofessionals hold bachelor’s degrees and would see a pay adjustment under the schedule change.
Board discussion reviewed fund sources and the district’s healthy fund balance. Clark said roughly 41% of the district’s revenue comes from the state funding formula, 32% from Shelby County taxes and about 2% from the town of Arlington; the remainder includes rental and fund‑balance use for capital projects. Clark noted the district has used ESSER and other one‑time funds to build reserves and support capital work (softball and football fieldhouse projects, fine‑arts expansion), and auditors have described the district’s reserves as strong relative to peer districts.
Trustees approved the IDEA/ESEA allocations, which Clark said are standard annual federal allocations that will be spent in FY2025–26. The board voted to approve the overall proposed budget and allocations by voice vote.
Clark said the budget continues capital improvements (including fine‑arts equipment, instrument replacement, HVAC upgrades, locker room and gym work at Arlington High School) and sets aside funds for maintenance as the district transitions from large capital build‑out to a maintenance posture over coming years. Board members praised the district’s intentional, multi‑year planning and emphasized the importance of keeping funds for capital and employee compensation balanced.
