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A proposed FY25 budget for Lexington City Schools, presented at the Feb. 6 School Board meeting, would raise salaries for teachers and staff.
The proposed total budget, $9,479,673, is 3 percent higher than last year’s budget, and the amount requested from City Council, $3,826,974, is 10 percent higher than last year.
Currently, 650 students are enrolled in Lexington’s two schools. The proposed FY25 budget was built around a average daily attendance of 645.
The largest single increase in this budget, $119,000, would go toward an average 3 percent raise for teachers and division staff, through a 1.5 percent raise and a 1.5 percent step for teachers.
Most of this cost is expected to fall to the division, as the governor’s current budget proposal only allo- cates a 1 percent bonus for FY25, and a 2 percent raise, split between the state and the division, for FY26.
The division also plans to raise salaries for school nurses, food service staff and substitute teachers.
The proposed FY25 budget would put an additional $7,100 toward salaries for school nurses, raise the starting salary for food service workers to $15 an hour and pay for additional summer work from the school nutrition manager. It would also raise substitute teacher pay to $125 a day, or $150 a day for long-term substitutes.
Business Manager Erin Gregg, who made a presentation to the board, said salary increases are important, in order to “compete with other area school divisions, respond to inflation and attract and retain the best possible staff.”
One reason for the higher local contribution is that funding provided to schools through the American Rescue Plan will stop this September.
Because of this, Lexington City Schools is budgeting an additional $92,000 to retain a reading specialist and part-time custodian, two positions previously supported through the federal government funding.
Another increase will be in health insurance rates for employees, which are expected to increase by 10 percent. Lexington schools plans to use leftover money from its FY23 budget, about $50,000, to cover this cost.
Higher costs are anticipated overall, and the division is budgeting an additional $15,000 for utilities, and an additional $20,000 for services from the city’s Public Works department.
Lexington is also responsible for a share of Rockbridge County High School’s costs, determined by how many Lexington city students enroll there.
The FY25 budget plans for an additional $85,000 to go to RCHS, due to changes in enrollment and rising operational costs at the high school.
For its share in capital improvements at Rockbridge County High School, another $930,000 is budgeted. This would go toward the two projects currently planned at the high school for FY25, construction of an auxiliary gym and new bleachers in the current gym.
Capital improvements are planned in Lexington as well – painting at Harrington Waddell Elementary School and locker repair and a new lighting system at Lylburn Downing Middle School, for a total of $51,551.
The proposed budget includes as a “consideration” funding for the division to participate in the Community Eligibility Program, which would provide free meals for all students, with a partial cost reimbursement to the district. Eligibility is based on the percentage of students in a division qualifying for free or reduced cost meals.
While Lexington’s eligibility is under review, with a decision expected in April, this budget sets aside an additional $61,000 needed for the school’s share in the program.
The proposed budget will be discussed with Lexington City Council, and the School Board will vote on a finalized version at its March meeting.
