Poquoson proposes $32.98 million FY26 budget centered on pay study to raise staff to regional averages

Summary

Superintendent’s proposed FY26 budget prioritizes a comprehensive compensation study, a 3% across‑the‑board raise, a $1,000 one‑time bonus, and targeted program funding; school officials said the plan depends on roughly $1.6 million in additional city support and still‑uncertain state actions.

Poquoson City Public Schools Superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget would increase overall spending to about $32,984,006 and centers on a management advisory compensation study meant to lift employee pay to regional averages.

The budget package presented Feb. 18 by Tracy Spence, the division’s chief financial officer, pairs a market “true up” derived from the study with a 3% across‑the‑board salary increase and a $1,000 one‑time bonus for employees. “We recommend adopting the compensation study suggestions from the management advisory group along with the governor’s 3 percent salary increase,” Spence said during the presentation.

Why it matters: personnel costs account for roughly 82% of the division’s budget. Spence told the board the compensation items would cost approximately $1.277 million for the market alignment, $519,008.74 for the 3% raise, and about $304,500 for the $1,000 bonus; benefits and insurance increases were calculated separately. The…

Poquoson proposes $32.98 million FY26 budget centered on pay study to raise staff to regional averages

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading