VBCPS - Charting the Course
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Natalie Allen
Date: 3/02/21 Phone: 757.263.1313
News Release No. 009 Fax: 757.263.1010
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Priorities of Board-approved operating budget include raises for Virginia Beach Schools staff

Tonight, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach approved an $828.8 million operating budget for Virginia Beach City Public Schools' (VBCPS) 2021-22 fiscal year.

"We believe the initiatives outlined in this plan are essential to providing VBCPS students and staff with the supports they need to succeed during the ongoing health pandemic and beyond," said Board Chairwoman Carolyn Rye.

Highlights of the budget include:

  • A 4.5% pay increase for staff in cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a 0.5% step increase for those reaching or below top of scale.
  • Funding to increase allowances for advanced degrees, to upgrade school counseling department chairs, and to move all custodians up one pay grade.
  • An increase in the number of guidance counselors for elementary and middle schools by 16, building on the progress in our understanding and implementation of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies in our schools.
  • A continued focus on special education needs.
  • Additional positions and related expenses for expanding the Spanish Immersion Program and supporting the Environmental Studies Program at the Brock Center.

"VBCPS employees have been steadfast and resilient during this remarkable past year, and I am so grateful and pleased that we've been able to focus on their compensation in this budget," said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. "It's also a much-needed push toward making this division more nationally competitive in attracting the best educators and enticing more families to come make this great city home."

Final approval of the budget is now in the hands of Virginia Beach City Council, which is expected to vote on it May 15.

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Department of Communications and Community Engagement, [email protected]

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