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Botetourt County school board reviews FY 2026–27 budget, recommends step increases and 10 new positions
Summary
At a Feb. 18 budget work session, Botetourt County School Board staff reviewed the proposed FY 2026–27 budget, highlighting a rising local composite index, proposed one-step pay increases for certificated and classified staff, and requests for 10 additional positions at an estimated $613,927 total cost.
At a Feb. 18 budget work session, school division staff presented the proposed FY 2026–27 budget to the Botetourt County School Board, highlighting a rising local composite index and proposed adjustments to compensation and staffing.
Mr. Lee introduced the budget development agenda and told the board the local composite index rose to 0.40685 for 2026, a change staff said can significantly increase the locality's share of school funding obligations. He also cited local economic indicators — including property-value growth of roughly 15.7% and taxable-sales gains of about 28.6% — that factor into revenue projections and comparisons with neighboring divisions.
The presentation compared pay scales across nearby divisions (Roanoke City, Salem, Roanoke County, Allegheny, Bedford and Montgomery), noting Botetourt County Public Schools currently uses a 20-step teacher scale while some peers have 30–36 steps. Staff outlined a compensation scenario that includes a one-step increase for certificated and classified employees and a 2% adjustment to the administrative pay plan. Mr. Lee said the division is pursuing health-insurance RFPs with Marsh & McLennan as part of benefit review.
Staff requested 10 additional positions to meet service needs: five instructional assistants, three maintenance workers, one mechanic and one special-education teacher. The estimated cost for those positions, including benefits, was presented as $613,927. Non-personnel increases flagged for the general operating budget include $45,000 for utilities, $60,000 for purchased services, an anticipated 10% ($20,737) increase in property insurance and an $11,247 increase to workers' compensation tied to a higher salary base.
Mr. Lee presented a general operating scenario showing roughly $1,359,833 for compensation adjustments, $500,000 for health-insurance adjustments, $658,943 for additional positions/changes and other operating increases; figures presented verbally and in tables yielded an approximate total scenario in the $4.0 million range.
Board members were reminded the General Assembly remains in session through March 14; staff said the board will wait for House and Senate budget proposals and the eventual conference budget to determine the state's final impact on local funding. The board noted tentative follow-up meetings in March to continue budget work.
The presentation focused on data and scenarios; no final budget adoption occurred at the Feb. 18 session. The board will revisit figures after state budget actions and as staff refine position and benefits cost estimates.
