Henrico leaders say compensating school employees is the top priority
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- At a recent Henrico County School Board work session, board members highlighted things they liked, wanted and "wondered" regarding the school system's efforts. "I like the expansion of dual enrollment courses in public high schools," said Fairfield District representative Ryan Young. He later added, "[I like] the continued focus on literacy when it comes to curriculum and funding." "I like that we continue to advocate to remove barriers to qualified teachers and get them into classrooms," said Tuckahoe District's Marcie Shea. Henrico County's school board also took time to ask questions. "If -- and when -- universal free lunch will be available in Virginia?" Brookland District's Kristi Kinsella asked. Three Chopt's Madison Irving also acknowledged some of the legislative obstacles school systems like Henrico's faced. "I wonder why our pro-education governor vetoed our teachers getting paid what they deserve," Irving remarked. This point hinted at a topic that would take the spotlight later on in the session -- teacher salaries. Largely thanks to the county's booming data center industry, Henrico County's Board of Supervisors said they can put more money toward the school system. At the school board's work session, members discussed how the BOS encouraged the two boards to join forces to figure out how to use those funds. Calling this opportunity "historic," Board Chair Alicia Atkins said that their main goal is clear. "Our number one funding priority is additional compensation for all employees and salary adjustments for critical positions in order for us to remain competitive in the market," Atkins said. The chair also championed efforts to expand Henrico's "Opportunity Schools" initiative. This effort works to ensure resources and support go to places most in need. Board members discussed how promoting equity within the system requires what members called a "hard look" at the Capital Improvement Plan. They emphasized the importance of properly investing in elements like HVAC systems, roofing, transportation and technology. Chair Atkins ended the meeting with requests to Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell. These surrounded contract language, pay scale transparency and staff protections. Atkins also gave a last message to their partnering county board. "I call on the Board of Supervisors to fully fund our requests so that HCPS can continue to recruit and retain [exceptional] talent," Atkins said. Important collective bargaining discussions are still up in the air at this point, with the school board opting not to vote on one resolution. The school board's next meeting will take place on Nov.14.
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HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- At a recent Henrico County School Board work session, board members highlighted things they liked, wanted and "wondered" regarding the school system's efforts.
"I like the expansion of dual enrollment courses in public high schools," said Fairfield District representative Ryan Young. He later added, "[I like] the continued focus on literacy when it comes to curriculum and funding."
"I like that we continue to advocate to remove barriers to qualified teachers and get them into classrooms," said Tuckahoe District's Marcie Shea.
Henrico County's school board also took time to ask questions.
"If -- and when -- universal free lunch will be available in Virginia?" Brookland District's Kristi Kinsella asked.
Three Chopt's Madison Irving also acknowledged some of the legislative obstacles school systems like Henrico's faced.
"I wonder why our pro-education governor vetoed our teachers getting paid what they deserve," Irving remarked.
This point hinted at a topic that would take the spotlight later on in the session -- teacher salaries.
Largely thanks to the county's booming data center industry, Henrico County's Board of Supervisors said they can put more money toward the school system. At the school board's work session, members discussed how the BOS encouraged the two boards to join forces to figure out how to use those funds. Calling this opportunity "historic," Board Chair Alicia Atkins said that their main goal is clear.
"Our number one funding priority is additional compensation for all employees and salary adjustments for critical positions in order for us to remain competitive in the market," Atkins said.
The chair also championed efforts to expand Henrico's "Opportunity Schools" initiative. This effort works to ensure resources and support go to places most in need. Board members discussed how promoting equity within the system requires what members called a "hard look" at the Capital Improvement Plan. They emphasized the importance of properly investing in elements like HVAC systems, roofing, transportation and technology.
Chair Atkins ended the meeting with requests to Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell. These surrounded contract language, pay scale transparency and staff protections. Atkins also gave a last message to their partnering county board.
"I call on the Board of Supervisors to fully fund our requests so that HCPS can continue to recruit and retain [exceptional] talent," Atkins said.
Important collective bargaining discussions are still up in the air at this point, with the school board opting not to vote on one resolution.
The school board's next meeting will take place on Nov.14.
