Roanoke Rapids City Schools board sets 2026–27 supplemental tax at 24 cents to bolster teacher pay and fund balance

The Roanoke Rapids City Schools board of trustees voted 5–2 on June 19 to set the 2026–27 supplemental tax rate at 24.0 cents per $100 of assessed value, saying the increase would help cover projected personnel costs and protect the district’s fund balance.

Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones presented background budget slides and projections from the finance committee that showed the district’s current supplemental rate (about 21.5 cents per $100) and examples of taxpayer impacts if the rate increased to 24 cents. Using a $100,000 assessed value as an example, the presentation showed a taxpayer moving from paying $215 to $240 annually under the proposed change.

Why it mattered: board members repeatedly cited uncertainty in the state budget and a possible increase in state-driven teacher pay and benefits. Dr. Jones told the board the district is “operating off of projections” and that any state raises and one-time bonuses for state-paid positions would increase local supplement obligations for locally paid staff and for supplements tied to state scales.

What supporters said: finance committee member Miss Gator, speaking for committee members, said the panel did not reach the recommendation lightly and flagged legislative efforts that could limit local taxing authority. “Not a single person on that committee wants to raise the local supplement tax,” she said, adding the proposed increase is meant to avoid cuts to local supplements and personnel.

What opponents said: two board members voted against the motion. The chair recorded the negative votes as cast by Mr. Hu and Mr. Claus; during discussion they questioned whether alternative revenue sources or additional cuts could be pursued and expressed concern about using local funds to meet uncertain state requirements.

How the district plans to use the additional revenue: the superintendent outlined five priority areas if the rate is increased — covering increased personnel costs tied to projected state raises and supplements, restoring an assistant principal position at Challenger Middle School, upgrading campus safety systems (including cameras and visitor access), funding retention and recruitment initiatives for educators, and protecting the district’s fund balance.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the motion to set the supplemental tax rate at 24.0 cents per $100 valuation on a roll-call vote, 5 in favor and 2 opposed (No votes: Mr. Hu and Mr. Claus). The board later voted unanimously to approve a personnel report after a closed-session review.

Next steps: the tax rate will be reflected in the district’s 2026–27 budget documents. Board members said they will continue monitoring final state budget action and may adjust planning or priorities once additional state and federal details are known.