by Jackie Nunnery
WEEMS—Following a Monday, March 2, public hearing on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the school board is expected approve a $21.9 million budget at its regular board meeting on Monday, March 9.
Superintendent Jessica Davis said budget priorities include a 3% raise for staff with a 1.5% increase plus 1.5% step for teachers; covering a 10.5% increase in health insurance premiums; a salary adjustment for some non-exempt employees; and a longevity bonus for licensed staff, which includes teachers, nurses, counselors and social workers. The proposed budget would set the starting teacher salary at $52,368.
As proposed, the $21,951,310 budget represents an increase of $981,722 or 4.8% over the current budget….
