Newport News School Board hears FY27 budget proposal; public urges higher bus driver pay

The Newport News School Board met on March 10, 2026, for a public hearing on the superintendent's proposed fiscal 2027 operating budget. Mr. Fairheart, who presented the proposal, said the plan anticipates $9.6 million in additional state funding and requests $8.2 million from the city, amounting to a $17.8 million increase, or about 4.3 percent, in operating funds.

Mr. Fairheart tied the budget to the division's Elevate 2030 strategic goals, saying the district remains dependent on state and city revenue. "Essentially, in a nutshell, we're funded by the city and state," he said, outlining priorities that include academic literacy, staff support, operations and maintenance, technology, and family and community engagement.

The presenter said personnel costs account for the vast majority of the operating budget, and described several compensation proposals: a 3 percent general increase for all staff, a $1,000 increase in starting teacher pay and the same $1,000 increase for associate teachers, plus targeted sign-on bonuses for hard-to-fill positions as defined by the Department of Education and at district discretion. He also reported the division's staffing level is down about 13.5 full-time-equivalent positions versus the current fiscal year.

Mr. Fairheart outlined projected benefit and nonpersonnel cost pressures. He estimated average health-insurance cost per member would rise by about $566; the board would cover roughly $1,500,000 of that increase while employees would pick up about $200,000. Depending on plan choices, he said, individual premiums could increase from roughly $0.50 to $7.47 per month and family plans from about $3.36 to $18.45 per month. He noted capital maintenance and utilities were rising, with utilities cited as increasing by about $1,000,000.

During the public comment period, Carolyn Jones, a Newport News teacher, urged the board to address bus driver pay to stem a driver shortage she said is disrupting school operations and student safety. "They're the first line of defense," Jones said, describing situations bus drivers must handle and giving a starting wage figure of $22.76 per hour. She urged the board not to award further raises to administrators earning more than $100,000 until the driver shortage is solved.

The board received the presentation for public comment and scheduled a request for approval of the superintendent's proposed budget at its next meeting the following week on St. Patrick's Day. No formal vote or amendment was taken during the March 10 hearing.