by AnnGardner Eubank
CLARAVILLE—With proposed salary and step increases for staff, several additional full-time job listings and a hefty potential increase in the health insurance contribution, the Northumberland County School Board on Monday, December 9, presented its first draft of a 2025-26 budget totaling $22,953,751.
The initial budget shows a $1,424,688 increase over the current budget of $21,529,064. According to finance director Tara Booth, a large portion comes from increases for positions.
For professional and classified employee salaries, a step increase of 1.25% plus a 3.76% salary increase has been proposed in addition to a 1.25% step increase for administrators, division leaders and directors.
An estimated 10% increase to health insurance contributions for all full-time employees was also incorporated into the proposed budget.
According to Booth, two new positions, including a director of human resources, student services and safety, and a secondary reading specialist, would impact the budget by a nearly $245,000 increase.
Additionally, funding to regional programs including Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, Alternative Education and the Northern Neck Technical Center are estimated to increase by $36,178.
During a public hearing on the budget, Karen Pica voiced several concerns.
Pica said she is concerned the priorities for the proposed budget do not include anything related to improving student outcomes or providing non-monetary support to teachers.
She wants to see the board dedicate more….
