by Megan Schiffres
LOTTSBURG—By a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Northumberland school board approved its $18,612,949 budget for 2020-21 during a special meeting Wednesday, June 24.
Board members Betty Christopher, Gayle Sterrett, Carl Perez, Cheryl Davis, and Dana O’Bier voted in favor of the proposed budget.
The budget represents an increase in total funding of $336,126, compared to the current budget.
Due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the district received a smaller increase in funding from the state than it originally expected, and received level funding from the county. The school board originally projected that it would receive $130,265 more in funding from the state than it was allocated, and originally requested a funding increase from the county totaling $384,470.
“NCPS appreciates the Northumberland board of supervisors and the county administrator’s support of the school budget. This year was extremely challenging for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their support is greatly appreciated,” said school superintendent Holly Wargo.
Despite these unexpected revenue shortfalls, the 2020-21 budget, as adopted, includes $469,418 for a 2% raise in salaries for teachers and staff, in addition to $68,000 to hire a new counselor at the elementary school.
“It is important to offer our teachers and staff a competitive salary when…
