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Hampton — After considering a new start date for at least two years, classes in Hampton will begin before Labor Day this fall.
School Board members voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve the academic calendar for the next school year.
Hampton schools started to consider a new start date in 2019 when the division participated in a Peninsula survey after state law changed to allow divisions to resume classes up to two weeks before Labor Day, according to the division’s spokesperson. The division began classes after the holiday since at least the late ‘70s.
Students will report back to school Aug. 29 in Hampton, along with Newport News schools — which decided in February to return before the holiday.
Williamsburg-James City, York and Gloucester counties began classes before Labor Day this year. Isle of Wight County and Poquoson schools opted to start after the holiday for the 2022-23 academic year.
Hampton’s school board also approved a tentative planning calendar for the 2023-24 school year. But members will need to vote again next year for final approval.
Hampton schools Chief Financial Officer Brittany Branch also presented board members with additional recommendations for the district’s budget next year, adding another $5.3 million for more job positions, salary adjustments and “non-personnel” matters. Branch told board members the extra money came from savings and additional local funding.
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On top of its initial $379.7 million budget, Branch suggested additional funds will increase pay for transportation workers to provide competitive wages compared to other districts. Administrators proposed to allocate $1.1 million for a number of transportation jobs which could mean bus drivers will make $21 an hour.
If approved, Hampton schools will offer the highest pay for bus drivers on the Peninsula — one dollar higher than Newport News’ proposed starting rate for its drivers.
But neither Hampton nor Newport News’ plans can be finalized until the state legislature approves a budget. Legislators wrapped up this year’s regular legislative session without approving one. Once the General Assembly finalizes its budget, school districts will make the necessary changes depending on state funding.
Hampton officials also proposed to give returning employees a one-time retention bonus in May using leftover money from this school year. Employees who will be back for the 2022-23 academic year will also need to sign an acknowledgement letter confirming their return. Full-time employees will receive either $1,200 or $1,000 after taxes depending on their position and $750 for part-time employees. Additionally, incoming employees will receive the same amount as a signing bonus.
Superintendent George Parker asked board members last week to consider a similar proposal for Newport News employees.
Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com
A previous version of this story said classes began post-Labor Day in Hampton City Schools since the mid-1980s. Students returned to school