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Educators and parents press Isle of Wight school board to back raises in budget hearing
Summary
At a March 5 budget hearing, teachers, counselors and parents urged the Isle of Wight County Schools board to fund competitive pay and restore or expand staff positions, citing unfilled roles, counselor workload from Section 504 plans and a recent compensation study showing a pay gap with neighboring divisions.
Public commenters filled the March 5 Isle of Wight County Schools budget hearing with appeals for higher pay and more staff, asking the school board to use a newly completed compensation study to make teacher and support‑staff salaries competitive with neighboring districts.
Teachers, counselors and parents spoke in turn during the public‑comment period, presenting a consistent set of concerns: pay that lags nearby divisions, classroom positions left unfilled, high counselor workloads from Section 504 case management, and the broader retention risks those gaps create. "Competitive pay is a statement of respect," said Kimberly Williams, who described taking a chance early in her career with the district and urged action so educators will "want to stay."
Why it matters: Multiple speakers tied the staffing problem to student experience and safety — larger class sizes, too few substitutes and counselors spending substantial time on paper‑work rather than direct student support. The board’s budget…
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