The Fairfax County School Board on Thursday approved a $2.1 billion budget, a record high figure with $154 million more than last year’s budget.
The fiscal 2007 budget for the largest school district in Virginia includes a 3 percent living wage increase for all employees, said Mario Schiavo, budget director for Fairfax County Public Schools.
The bulk of the increase is consumed by compensation and benefits, though hikes in utilities and fuel costs also factored in, he said.
Not everyone agreed that the budget covere all needs.
The pay increase for teachers was not enough, said School Board member-at-large Janet Oleszek, who said she doesn’t speak for the rest of the board.
“I’m concerned about the basic needs that we have as an institution to honor our teachers by paying them a living wage,” she said.
Teachers are being hired away by nearby jurisdictions “at an alarming rate,” she said.
More than $13 million worth of initiatives were pared back by the county, including larger pay increases, according to Dranesville District School Board member Jane Strauss. The county funds about 75 percent of the overall budget.
By the numbers
Items cut from the Fairfax County Public Schools‚ budget include:
» A 3.25 percent salary increase, which was reduced to 3 percent
» An added salary increase for teachers with master’s degrees
» Some technology support positions
Source: Dranesville District School Board Member Jane K. Strauss
