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Jacobs pitches teacher raises, $12M in school upgrades and $64.6M K–8 project
Summary
In his final budget address, Mayor Glenn Jacobs proposed a 2.5% teacher pay increase and $12 million for facility upgrades, plus $64.6 million to build a county K–8 school; he also highlighted workforce training expansions funded by a $1 million state grant.
Mayor Glenn Jacobs emphasized education and workforce investments as core budget priorities, saying the proposed plan would increase teacher pay by 2.5% and accelerate the county toward a state‑mandated $50,000 starting teacher salary.
"That will bring us to the state‑mandated starting teacher pay of $50,000 a year ahead of schedule," Jacobs said, linking the pay increase to student outcomes and teacher recruitment.
Jacobs proposed $12 million for school facility upgrades and cited $64.6 million to construct the county's first K–8 school; the transcript did not provide a clear, consistent school name. He described partnerships that support career and technical education, noting a $1 million state grant launched the Skilled Trades Academy and Regional Training Center (the Start Center) and that officials were exploring expansion, including a possible skilled‑trades collegiate high school with TCAT and industry partners.
The mayor also highlighted Elevate High School, a recovery‑focused high school modeled for students overcoming addiction, and said success stories—students entering TCAT welding programs and earning tool scholarships—illustrate the workforce pipeline the county seeks to strengthen.
The proposals pair salary investments with facility and program funding; they will require budget approval through the county's formal adoption process.
