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Lee County Schools asks county for $3.2 million to shore up pay, mental‑health staff and capital needs
Summary
Lee County Schools presented a 2025–26 local and capital budget requesting roughly $3.2 million in additional local funding (a 14.9% increase), prioritizing operational cost increases, full implementation of a classified pay plan, and a restructured teacher supplement. The board discussed lost grant funding for mental‑health positions and the impact of charter payments on local funds.
Lee County Schools presented its proposed 2025–26 local and capital budget at a board workshop, asking county commissioners for roughly $3.2 million in additional local funds and outlining priorities the district said are aimed at retaining staff, supporting students and addressing safety.
Dr. Dawsonbaugh, who led the presentation for Lee County Schools, called the district's goals "students, staff, and safety" and summarized the district's request: operational increases totaling $746,093.46; full implementation of the classified pay plan (the remaining three‑quarters) at about $2,000,000; and a proposed weighted supplement structure for certified staff estimated at roughly $450,000 a year. "Taking a look at those overall recommendations that adds up to a requested increase of just over $3,200,000," he said, and presented a total local request of $24,723,993.38 (a 14.9% increase over last year).
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