NORFOLK, Va. — The proposed budget outlines the goals of Norfolk’s school division in the next school year while addressing the major issues its students and faculty are facing.
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Byrdsong said in her presentation to the board "Those challenges include but are not limited to the following: a significant shortage of classroom teachers aging infrastructure, a tremendous percentage of our students whose families live in poverty, a persistent battle with learning loss, pressing social emotional needs amongst our students and declining student enrollment.”
Employee compensation, recruitment and retention are at the top of the list which includes raising pay for teachers, admin, subs and other employees as well as offering bonuses for current and new teachers.
The division would also plan to resize the district with its declining enrollment numbers, which could mean possibly closing and consolidating schools. While also increasing the number of social-emotional services available to students.
“We must tap into it and help channel it, yes there are tried and true strategies we can employ to help our children succeed but we must also have the courage and the stamina to go beyond Innovation cannot just be a nice byword for Norfolk public," Superintendent Byrdsong said.
The new budget would increase 12% from last year's budget.
The plan also would look to provide more security, building restorations and increase safety in schools.
A public hearing is scheduled to take place on March 6, 2024, to gain citizens’ and staff’s input. The School Board is slated to adopt a recommended budget later in March.