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Southampton County schools ask board for more teachers, special‑education staff and CTE support
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Shannon presented a needs‑based budget asking for multiple new positions (reading specialist, special‑education teachers, paraprofessionals, five bus aides), cited rising special‑education enrollment and requested local revenue increases to balance the requested operating budget.
Dr. Shannon, superintendent of Southampton County Public Schools, told the Board of Supervisors the school division’s needs‑based budget prioritizes teacher pay, special‑education staffing and career‑and‑technical education.
"This budget proposal represents a strategic investment in our children's future," Dr. Shannon said, outlining six division goals including expanded learning opportunities, safer school culture, improved professional development and expanded capital improvements.
School staff asked for a reading specialist for grades 6–8, a special‑education pre‑K teacher, additional special‑education teachers at Nottoway, a technology resource teacher and paraprofessionals at Riverdale, five bus aides, a webmaster and other supports. The division reported 2,531 students enrolled and rising special‑education counts at several schools; presenters said staffing has not kept pace with those increases.
Finance staff detailed estimated personnel costs with fringes for the requested positions and said the division's requested local revenue to balance the operating budget would be roughly $14.75 million, up from current local funding of about $12.6 million, creating a requested local increase in the range of $2.15 million. The presentation also included program costs: tuition for Appomattox Regional Governor's School slots of $9,000 per slot and dual‑enrollment cost mechanics tied to the community college partnership.
Supervisors and attendees focused questions on vocational/CTE offerings and teacher recruitment. One supervisor asked whether the proposed $500,000 for mold mitigation at schools is a one‑time or ongoing cost; Dr. Shannon replied that the division anticipates continuous mitigation work and that the funds are intended for preventive and mitigation services.
Board members requested additional detail from the school system, including a categorical budget breakdown and follow‑up reports on efforts to recruit CTE instructors and expand hands‑on trade training through partnerships with local businesses and the community college. The board also scheduled site tours and follow‑up discussions as part of the next budget work sessions.
