Dear HCPS Families,
On Tuesday, January 21, I presented my proposed FY2021 budget to the school board. Each budget development process presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges that we must carefully consider to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, staff, and community. Despite favorable economic conditions, this was the most difficult budget of my tenure to balance. The governor’s proposed budget does not favor Hanover. Hanover lost $2.9 million in state funding due to the recalculation of the state funding ratio, declining enrollment, and targeted programmatic funding. Overall, the total net increase in state revenue for FY2021 over last year is only $225,696. This represents the lowest state funding increase since 2016.
Additionally, the governor’s budget does not include any funding for teacher raises in the first year of his proposed budget. This places 100% of the burden on localities to provide a salary increase. In addition to state shortfalls, we experienced significant challenges in two other areas. HCPS’ share of healthcare costs increased by over $2 million, and our VRS costs increased by approximately $500,000.
Nevertheless, through a combination of strong local support of our local funding partners and careful evaluation of existing resources, I was able to present a balanced budget. I am confident that this budget places the highest priority on meeting our complex needs and advancing education in Hanover County. Above all, it places the highest priority on caring for our students, faculty, and staff.
The key highlights are as follows:
- 2% salary increase for all employees effective July 1
- Phase II of a teacher salary scale enhancement
- Salary increases range from 2% to 2.4% depending upon placement on the teacher pay scale
- Bus driver salary scale enhancement
- $1.15 per hour increase for all bus drivers (in addition to the 2% salary increase)
- Six behavioral support positions
- Two school counselors
- One positive behavioral intervention system coordinator
- Social-emotional learning curriculum
- One clinic assistant (secondary)
- Continuation of the five-year technology funding plan to include:
Deployment of individual computing devices to all middle school students
Reclassifying and regrading of technology support positions
- Installation of vestibules at 17 schools to increase school safety
- Continued funding of increasing healthcare costs
- Five additional student slots at CodeRVA (for a total of 29 slots)
The school board will hold a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the school board office. For a more comprehensive summary of my budget priorities and highlights, I have included several resources below.
Hanover County Public Schools continues to enjoy a deep-rooted tradition of excellence, and we remain a leader in public education. In addition to our dedicated faculty and staff, community partnerships have proven vital to upholding our strong tradition. Parents, volunteers, civic organizations, businesses, county leaders, the faith community, and more continue to be vital to our longstanding success. We are thankful for your continued support, as well as the opportunity to serve you.
With deepest gratitude,
Michael Gill, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools