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Prince George superintendent proposes FY26 budget with 5% pay increase; public commenters press for focus on teachers
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Lyle presented a proposed FY26 budget that would raise total school division spending to about $99.5 million and includes a 5% pay increase aimed at recruitment and retention. Public speakers urged the board to prioritize classroom staff over administrative pay and asked for greater transparency.
Superintendent Dr. Lyle presented the Prince George County Public Schools proposed FY26 budget on Feb. 24, 2025, telling the school board that a 5% salary increase is "paramount for recruitment and retention of staff" and aligning requests with the division's comprehensive plan.
The proposal would raise total spending from about $94.0 million this year to $99.5 million in FY26 — an increase of $5.4 million, or 5.8% — Mr. Sorensen said during the presentation. The regular fund would grow from $84.9 million to $90.0 million, a $5.2 million (6.2%) increase. Sorensen noted salaries and benefits account for roughly 86% of the regular fund.
Why it matters: The board must present its request to the Board of Supervisors for appropriation; General Assembly action on the state budget could alter state revenue estimates the division used. The proposed pay increase is intended to address teacher and staff shortages and reduce reliance on contracted services and long-term substitutes, some of whom lack full licensure.
Details and priorities: Dr. Lyle outlined four goals tied to the comprehensive plan and said the budget request includes funding for three additional English learner teachers required by updated Standards of Quality, instructional coaches at several secondary schools, paraprofessionals to support kindergarten readiness, a behavior support specialist, an itinerant early childhood special education teacher, and a school-based secretary for Middle Road Elementary to align support with comparable schools. He also warned that state grants funding school resource officers at several schools expire at year-end and local funding will be needed to continue those positions.
Mr. Sorensen framed revenue assumptions around the governor's budget and flagged that the General Assembly approved amendments over the weekend that could add roughly $1.8 million for the division; however he cautioned the governor's action could change final amounts. He explained that some COVID-era federal grants have expired and that grant fund totals therefore decline, while the school nutrition fund faces cost pressures from staff pay adjustments for an anticipated $15 minimum wage and higher food costs.
Public comment and community concerns: During the public hearing, Jean Shanks (9673 Blackwater Farm Lane) questioned whether contracted services already appear in the current budget and described more than "$1,000,000 in the room here of just administrative salaries," urging the board to focus raises on teachers and support personnel. William Steele said the budget was "outrageous" given county tax burdens and urged attention to leadership and work environment rather than larger budgets. Rick Tetterton voiced support for teacher pay increases but criticized past closed-session decisions related to the previous superintendent and alleged a buyout reduced funds available to teachers.
Board process and next steps: Dr. Lyle and staff said they will schedule at least one additional work session for the board and suggested a possible joint session with the Board of Supervisors. The board set March 17, 2025, as the meeting at which it will seek formal approval of the FY26 budget; staff will provide slide materials and support for further review.
The public hearing closed at the end of the comment period and the board moved to a state budget update.
