Hampton City Schools present $289 million FY2025 operating budget, propose 3% pay increase and bring custodial staff back in‑house

Hampton City Schools officials presented the school division’s board‑adopted budget during the council’s work session, saying the school operating fund (Fund 50) is projected at a little over $289,000,000 for FY2025. Superintendent Raymond Haynes opened the presentation and framed the budget in the context of pending state funding decisions, saying, “It is a pleasure to join you all this afternoon as we present the school division's board adopted budget for fiscal year 20 25 to council.”

Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Branch laid out the major figures: the plan includes a 3% compensation increase for teachers and staff (estimated cost about $5,700,000), a minimum wage increase for Hampton City Schools employees to $14 an hour, and roughly 222 new positions — many tied to bringing custodial services back in‑house. Branch said instructional spending remains the largest classification, with about 70% of Fund 50 directed to instruction and state revenue the single largest funding source. She noted $17.8 million of identified reductions and savings, with $11.1 million moved into the reimbursable projects fund to align with state multi‑year accounting.

Council members pressed staff on a line labeled 'technology' that appeared reduced on the slide; Branch said the apparent drop reflects contingency accounting rather than a programmatic cut. The superintendent and CFO also emphasized that some figures depend on the state budget; Haynes said the board is awaiting a final state budget after Richmond’s special session and will return with any needed revisions. The presentation closed with staff inviting council questions and offering more detailed budget data on the division’s public budget page.