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Southampton County School Board approves proposed FY2025–26 operating budget
Summary
The Southampton County School Board approved a proposed FY2025–26 operating budget that requests $14,049,056 in local funds and includes a 3% pay increase and added special-education positions; the board discussed staffing needs, uncontrollable cost increases and the effect of waning pandemic-era funding.
The Southampton County School Board on a voice vote approved its proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, following presentation by budget committee chair Miss Blunt and Superintendent Doctor Shannon.
Doctor Shannon said the “total requested local and state operating budget for the 25–26 fiscal year is $38,282,007,” and that the division will need $14,049,056 from the county to balance the request. The proposal includes a 3% salary increase for employees and raises the beginning teacher salary to $48,200, and requests new special-education positions and paraprofessionals, officials said.
Miss Blunt framed the plan as a “needs-based budget,” noting both personnel additions and increases in services that the division cannot control, including health insurance, regional tuition and fuel costs. The presentation listed targeted increases for special-education regional tuition ($106,314) and OT/PT/speech services ($263,515), and a $30,000 increase for legal services.
Board members pressed for clarity on implementation and long-term funding. Member Mister Rogers emphasized the need for special-education teachers, calling the hires “an absolute need.” Other members noted that some of the requested increase reflects a drop in state and federal pandemic-era funds that previously offset local spending.
The board asked staff to circulate the categorical line-item budget that will be sent to the county. The board then approved the proposed budget as presented; the formal vote count in the record was not specified in the transcript.
