Proposed Budget for Alexandria Schools Includes Funding for More Staff, Technology Upgrades, and Middle School Athletics
FY2025 Combined Funds Budget totals $373.3 million
ALEXANDRIA, VA-At the Jan. 4 Alexandria City School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt proposed the Fiscal Year 2025 Combined Funds Budget for Alexandria City Public Schools. The budget totals $373.3 million. It prioritizes improving staff pay, increasing the number of staff at schools, technology upgrades and cybersecurity improvements, preparing for the launch of the new Minnie Howard campus, and support for middle school athletics.
This budget includes ACPS’ Operating Budget, School Nutrition Funds, and the Grants and Special Projects Fund. $342.4 million is allocated for the Operating Budget, which is an increase of 3.9 percent from the previous budget.
“We are one team, on one journey, at ACPS, and this Proposed Combined Funds Budget for FY 2025 demonstrates our priority to retain and recruit highly qualified staff to ensure students’ academic progress and well-being,” Wyatt said.
With the competition of the area job market, ACPS continues to emphasize staff recruitment and retention. As such, the proposed budget includes step increases for eligible employees higher wage rates for hourly and casual workers, and recruitment and retention bonuses, as well as other incentives.
To meet the increasing number of students enrolled with the school system, the budget addresses the need for increased staffing. If the budget is approved, there will be more teachers for the homeroom period, more English Learner classes, and specialized instruction.
“Our budget team worked closely with division leaders to ensure that staff positions in schools are increased to reflect enrollment and that we have the financial incentives to retain and recruit staff as well as strengthen specific positions that are critical to student success,” said ACPS Chief Financial Officer Dominic Turner.”We are looking ahead to address the need for improved cybersecurity protection and improved technology infrastructure.”
The full budget timeline and a summary of this year’s budget process can be found on the ACPS FY 2025 Budget web page.
The School Board will hold its first meeting concerning the budget Jan. 11. A second meeting and public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18. The Board is expected to adopt the proposed budget Feb. 22. Following adoption, it will go before City Council for review and approval.
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