PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — The Prince William County School Board approved an $861 million operating budget Wednesday night, directing the Superintendent to find $5 million in new spending cuts to cover the cost of providing a step increase to employees on the current pay scale.
Budget approval came a week later than originally expected, as Board Members debated how best to afford enhanced pay increases. The new plan builds on the foundation of the spending reductions originally proposed to pay for an across-the-board raise in the budget plan rejected during last week’s Board mark-up session.
By a 5-3 margin, Board Members voted this time to provide the widely sought step increase based on a 7.5 hour instructional day. The step will provide an average 2.85 percent pay hike, but actual amounts will vary according to each employee’s position on the current pay scale. In addition, all employees will receive an added one percent increase to offset the cost of a new state mandate that will require each PWCS employee to make a one percent contribution to the Virginia Retirement System over the upcoming school year.
Board members also approved an amendment directing the Superintendent to use any additional funds that could be received toward reducing class sizes and/or adjusting the budget-diminished Capital Improvements Program, according to future Board directions.
The immediate challenge for the School Division will be finding $5 million in cuts beyond those already included to fund pay increases in the Superintendent’s previous proposal. Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven L. Walts conceded that it will not be easy to find those additional cuts but noted, “We will make every effort not to lay off any employee.”
Though passed, the Budget is not yet final. It immediately goes to the Board of County Supervisors for their approval. Additionally, the county has yet to finalize the tax rate on which the budget revenues are based; the tax rate advertised last month can still decrease, but not increase, meaning PWCS could face further shortfalls. The state budget picture is uncertain as well. Clarifying legislative action could come as early as Friday, but might still require adjustments to the spending plan.
-Press release
Recent Stories
On Sunday afternoon, nearly 100 people gathered in a Taco Bell parking lot less than a mile from the clinic’s doors with a shared aim: taking ownership of its now-precarious future.
The project to widen Balls Ford Road between Doane Drive and Ashton Avenue to a four-lane, divided roadway is now officially complete. The county’s Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the parking lot of the General Shale Brick Company last week.
Another round of weather challenges is in store today as a robust cold front approaches. The front will bring gusty winds and low relative humidity.
Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., for the dedication of the Town of Occoquan’s LOVEworks sign in River Mill Park (415 Mill Street, Occoquan), designed by artist Darby Leondra. This event is free and open to the public.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
