Employees of Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) may be receiving a raise.
Pay increases is one idea the School Board is considering as it looks ahead to the upcoming school year.
“We have trouble recruiting and retaining teachers. It is a struggle,” School Board Chairman Babur Lateef said at a Policy Committee Meeting hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “We are losing teachers to Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax constantly.”
School Board Chairman Babur Lateef shared PWCS’ Legislative Priorities during the meeting, which occurred in Manassas on Wednesday.
In addition to raises for employees and a cost of living adjustment, the board wants to provide more mental health support for students.
The board hopes to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, as well.
“We want to continue to provide innovative programs that address … the disruption that’s currently happening in the industry,” Lateef said.
About 44 percent of the district’s budget is funded by the county. The state supports about 40 percent of the spending plan and around 15 percent comes from the federal government.
Most of PWCS’ budget — about 80 percent — is used for instruction purposes, Lateef explained.
Superintendent Steve Walts intends to submit his proposed fiscal 2020 budget to the board at 7 p.m. on February 6, according to a release.
A public meeting about the recommended plan is taking place at the Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas at 7 p.m. on February 11.
On February 20, the School Board will host a public hearing at the Kelly Leadership Center at 7 p.m.
The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) need to approve the School Board budget by April 30.
