Loudon County board approves 2025-26 budget package with 6% staff raise

The Loudon County Board of Education on Feb. 13 approved the 2025-26 budget package presented at the workshop, including a proposed 6% raise for staff and a set of targeted staffing and compensation changes.

At a meeting where Miss Geary presented the package, the board voted to adopt the budget that the presenter described as recommending a 6% raise for staff; three growth teachers; three special-education teachers; a dual-language learner teacher; increases to substitute pay (listed in the presentation as $100 for nondegree substitutes, $110 for degree-holding substitutes and $125 for retired teachers or those with a licence); a 5% increase in bus transportation school funds; $7,500 for CTE certification testing; $7,500 for wrestling; and $25,000 for additional contracted special-education services.

Miss Geary recommended the board approve the budget as presented and moved to adopt it; a second was recorded and a roll-call vote followed. The board’s recorded roll call reflected affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Public commenters during the meeting asked for more transparency about workshop materials and line-item details, saying documents were not always distributed in time for review. Board staff and the presenter noted the package reflected workshop discussions and additional items flagged for inclusion (for example, a $1,000 professional-development transfer for an ACE grant listed elsewhere in the consent agenda and budget amendments).

The board discussed compensation elements and staffing increases in the context of prior workshop sessions; Miss Geary said the figures were “as presented at the workshop,” and recommended approval. The motion passed on the board’s roll call.

The vote finalizes the board’s budget direction for 2025-26 pending any further state or administrative actions required before funds are expended.