Portsmouth schools double the planned raises for teachers and staff next year

Portsmouth — Teachers and staff in Portsmouth would get raises next year under the budget approved by the School Board last week.

The $168 million operating budget calls for 4% raises for all employees, double what the district had initially planned to offer, thanks to additional state funding that’s now expected.

Board members who’d been worried 2% wasn’t enough — and that it could cause some staff to leave for nearby districts that pay more — said they were happy to see the increase. They approved the budget in a unanimous vote.

“This board has always kept salary increases our number one priority,” Chairman Cardell Patillo said. “A division has many needs, but we know our number one asset are our teachers and students.”

Portsmouth gave staff 2% raises this year, one of the few districts in the region that didn’t roll back pay increases as a result of pandemic belt-tightening. Many neighboring districts are giving larger-than-usual raises next year to account for the fact they didn’t give any this year.

When the General Assembly set aside more money for raises, Portsmouth decided to use its share to fund the jump to 4% without having to ask the city to foot the bill.

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The budget also includes a number of new positions, including five counselors at elementary and high schools. The district is also proposing hiring two occupational and physical therapists instead of contracting that work out as it does now, as well as hiring additional instructional technology teachers.

The budget now goes to the City Council, where the district’s funding has traditionally been a source of conflict. But there are signs new council members may be more receptive to school funding requests.

In a budget proposal unveiled Monday, interim City Manager LaVoris Pace proposed giving the schools about $1.1 million more than they requested.

Last month, the council rescinded its year-old funding formula, which was meant to reduce tension by dedicating a set portion of city revenues to schools but ended up becoming a source of new frustration. The formula fell short of the district’s request last year, and School Board members have said the formula was forced on them.

But newly seated council members — including Vice Mayor De’Andre Barnes, a former School Board member — have pledged more support for schools and to fully fund the district’s requests. The district asked the city for $1 million more next year than it got this year.

The district’s budget is based on projections of funding from the city and state. Once the council decides how much money to give the district and the state’s budget is finalized, the budget will come back to the School Board to make any adjustments that are needed.

Sara Gregory, 757-469-7484, sara.gregory@pilotonline.com