Henderson County board reviews FY2027 budget proposal featuring 3% raise, insurance outlook and targeted bonuses

Trustees at the Henderson County Board of Education meeting reviewed a preliminary FY2027 budget that would add a 3% salary increase for all employees and make targeted investments in staff retention and capital needs.

Finance director Megan Vineyard told the board she had "included a 3% salary increase for all employees, throughout all funds." Vineyard warned that health‑insurance costs could rise: early quotes suggested premiums might climb as much as 10% by Jan. 1, and the budget proposal would move the district's employer contribution from roughly 67% to about 70% to help absorb that risk. "That is not definitive yet," Vineyard said, adding she would provide a proportional chart showing the likely employee premium impact.

The draft budget also embeds a retirement incentive for non‑certified staff: a $200 credit per year of service up to 30 years (a $6,000 cap). Beauchamp described the proposal as intended to recognize long‑serving custodial and cafeteria employees; Vineyard estimated the district built roughly $80,000 into the budget to cover an initial cohort of about 11 eligible retirees.

Trustees discussed capital outlays, including the Scotts Hill/Scottsdale enclosure project. Vineyard and Beauchamp said the district had reserves it could draw on for capital needs and estimated year‑end reserves in the $11.5 million range (an estimate subject to final expenditures). The board also discussed transportation pressures: fuel cost volatility constrained new incentives, though the budget would allow a $1,000 sign‑on bonus for new drivers and approximately one bus replacement (budgeted near $80,000) if a favorable purchase opportunity arises.

Board members set a potential special called meeting (6:00 p.m. next Thursday) to pass the budget in time for the county commission deadline. Several trustees urged follow‑up on coach supplements and differentiated pay, and Beauchamp reiterated that the differentiated‑pay plan must be finalized and submitted to the state after funds are placed in the budget.

Public comments by teacher Amanda Branson highlighted equity concerns in differentiated pay and asked the board to ensure Career and Technical Education instructors and coaches are considered in any new supplement plan. Beauchamp said CTE money was embedded in some outcome‑based funding streams and that district staff and a committee would continue work on the plan.

The board did not adopt the final budget at the meeting; members agreed to receive the complete budget document before any called meeting to vote.