Hampton City Schools present $358 million FY2026 budget, propose 4% pay increase and added school security

Hampton — Hampton City Schools officials on Thursday presented a board‑approved fiscal year 2026 budget to the Hampton City Council work session that would total about $358,000,000 across all funds and would include a 4% compensation increase for all teachers and staff.

The proposal, presented by Chair Mason, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes and Chief Financial Officer Bernadette Branch, would keep employee health care premiums unchanged while adding the equivalent of 56.7 positions—including 19 school security officers for elementary and pre‑K buildings, 15 special‑education staff, six Academy of Hampton coaches and other instructional and non‑instructional roles.

The board emphasized the budget’s priorities as competitive compensation, school security, and tutoring/remediation. “We are proud to present you not only a balanced budget, but 1 that aligns with the school division's mission and priorities and feedback from our community,” Chair Mason said.

CFO Bernadette Branch presented the revenue mix and major expenditures, saying the school operating fund (Fund 50) is projected at roughly $307,000,000 for FY2026 and that the school division’s total budget…