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Surry schools propose $17.97 million operating budget for FY2026; board to schedule hearings
Summary
Surry County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Monroe presented a school board‑adopted FY2026 proposed operating budget of $17,972,885 (a 4.63% increase), asking the Board of Supervisors for a 5.64% increase in local support to cover recommended salary steps, health insurance increases and program priorities.
Dr. Monroe, superintendent of Surry County Public Schools, presented the school division's FY2026 proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors on March 6.
The school board adopted an overall operating budget proposal of $17,972,885, an increase of $796,024 (4.63%) over FY2025, which the superintendent said requires an increase in local support of 5.64% (about $756,069). The budget package included recommendations for salary increases (3–7% depending on tenure, in part to meet the state's mandated 3%), measures to absorb an anticipated health insurance increase of about 10%, and continued funding for student mental health, fine arts, career and technical programs, athletics, and transportation.
Mrs. Harvey (finance) told the board the General Assembly budget negotiations could add roughly $117,846 for Surry schools if enacted and survive gubernatorial action; the state is also providing a $1,000 bonus program that would produce approximately $96,228 in June to be paid in the following fiscal year, which, together with timing differences, leaves a small timing gap the schools are reviewing (transcript cited a roughly $110,460 gap to be managed). The superintendent asked the Board of Supervisors to anticipate public hearings: the county will advertise for hearings in March, with a public hearing on the tax rate set for April 3, and a public hearing on the proposed school budget to be advertised in mid‑April with adoption targeted for May 8, 2025.
Dr. Monroe also asked the board to consider reestablishing a building assessment committee to examine long‑term facility consolidation and shared a request for continued engagement between schools and faith/community leaders. Student liaison Soraya Hurrell addressed the board in support of priorities that would help teachers, athletics and CTSO participation.
