WJCC board approves $3 hourly raise for bus drivers; educators urge full pay-study implementation in FY26 budget

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board voted to authorize a $3-per-hour salary increase for school bus drivers employed as of Jan. 1, 2025, a move board staff said will raise starting pay to $20.76 per hour and cost an estimated $172,000 to implement.

The raise, approved by recorded voice vote during the Jan. 21 meeting, was presented to the board as a targeted response to a statewide and national shortage of drivers that has disrupted arrival and dismissal schedules and forced the division to rely on outside contractors. At the meeting, several public speakers also urged the board to use the FY26 operating budget to implement broader recommendations from a recent compensation study for teachers and support staff.

WJCC staff member Mr. Snipes summarized the proposal and its fiscal effect: "The request would increase driver pay by $3 per hour. Starting pay would then be $20.76 per hour.…