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Teachers urge board to prioritize pay, recruitment and CIP needs as FY26 budget season opens
Summary
Teachers and community members told the board to prioritize teacher retention, safety and capital funding during the FY26 budget hearing; administration laid out the FY26 budget timeline and noted state and city revenue shares.
At the public hearing on the FY26 operating and capital budgets, division staff reviewed revenue sources and timelines while teachers and residents urged the board to prioritize compensation, staffing and facilities.
Cheryl Spivey and Miss Foddy reviewed budget basics: roughly $256 million (about 55%) of the current year budget comes from the state and about $195 million (about 42%) from the city; teacher and staff pay account for roughly 85% of the general fund budget, leaving limited discretionary funds for supplies and capital needs. The presenters outlined the FY26 timeline: the governor’s proposed budget is expected in December, the superintendent will present a proposed division budget in February, the board will solicit input in March and submit the proposal to city council by April 1.
In public comments Amanda Keating, a six‑year classroom teacher, urged the board to examine budget allocations to address a staffing crisis: she described teachers struggling to afford housing and called for steps to retain staff. Keating framed her recommendations around three priorities—budget, safety and respect—and asked leaders to look for ways to reallocate funds to support teacher pay and to recruit volunteers and trained safety supports.
On capital needs, a public commenter asked the board to request a capital improvement plan that reflects actual facility needs rather than a constrained placeholder amount; the speaker noted many school buildings are decades old and urged the board to press for adequate CIP funding.
Board members also asked about the city's revenue‑sharing estimate; administration said staff are working with the city to produce an estimate under the revenue‑sharing formula that helps the division plan while leaving room to petition the city for additional funding if needed.
