Russell County public schools present FY2025 budget, propose pay increases but show $1.1 million shortfall

A school representative addressed the Russell County Board of Supervisors on April 8 to present the school division's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, emphasizing teacher compensation and several capital and personnel needs.

"On this slide ... last year's starting salary was around 36,000. This year, we put it up to 42,000," the presenter said, describing a reworked teacher salary scale and a 3% increase for support staff. The presentation also listed transportation needs (three buses to replace aging vehicles), a new reading specialist for grades 6-8 estimated at about $88,000 for salary and benefits, and a Castlewood High School roof replacement estimated at $195,000.

The presenter gave a revenue figure of approximately $57,092,449 and estimated total expenses at about $58,232,002, saying the proposed budget carries a deficit of roughly $1,100,000. The presenter also said changes in state legislation had raised required local matching for at-risk funds by about $800,000.

The school representative framed teacher pay as essential to recruitment and retention after citing recent losses of staff to neighboring higher-paying counties, and urged collaboration with the county to identify revenue and savings options. The presentation was informational; no formal county action on the school budget was taken during the meeting.

What happens next: The board will consider the county budget and hold a public hearing on the tax rate and budget in May as part of the statutory process.