Joint Meeting of Portsmouth City Council and School Board on Superintendent's Estimate of Needs

On February 10, 2025, the Portsmouth City Council and the Portsmouth Public School Board held a joint liaison meeting to discuss Superintendent Dr. Bracey's estimate of needs for the 2025–26 school year. The central focus was a request for $9.4 million in additional local funding to address employee salary compression, state-mandated raises, and new staffing positions. City and school leaders emphasized collaboration and the need to retain experienced teachers.

Presentation of Superintendent's Estimate of Needs

Dr. Bracey and Chief Financial Officer Theodore Falk presented the school division's budget overview. The total operating budget across all funds is approximately $295.4 million, with the general fund at $232.4 million—a $22.4 million increase over the 2024–25 budget. Key revenue sources: 52% state funding, 9% state sales tax, 38% local funds (flat at $78.7 million), and 1% federal/other. The governor's introduced budget includes a 3% raise for SOQ positions, but non-SOQ staff (e.g., bus drivers, nurses) require local funding to match the raise.

Dr. Bracey outlined three major funding needs:

• Salary compression correction: $14.8 million to address a decade without step increases, ensuring competitive pay and aiming to make Portsmouth the top division for teacher salaries in the region. This covers all staff, with approximately $9 million for instructional staff.
• State-mandated 3% raise: $5.2 million to cover non-SOQ positions.
• New staffing and security positions: $2.4 million for:
  • 4 CTE teachers for the new pay center (welding, automotive, building trades, cybersecurity) – $442,000
  • 3 dual language immersion (DLI) teachers for first grade – $312,000
  • 10 ESL teachers due to unfunded state mandate – $975,000
  • Upgrade 13 part-time elementary security officers to full-time – $439,400
  • Add 3 full-time middle school security officers – $187,200

Total needs: $22.4 million. After using available state funds and flexible revenue, the net request to the city is $9.4 million.

Discussion Items

• Teacher Experience and Retention: Dr. Bracey showed data that the number of veteran teachers (10+ years) declined by 36 and teachers with 5–10 years declined by 61 over two years. He attributed losses to salary compression, noting that experienced teachers can earn $10,000–$12,000 more in neighboring divisions. Council members acknowledged this as a critical issue and expressed support for prioritizing salary correction.
• Dual Language Immersion Program: Councilwoman Brandt asked about progression. Dr. Bracey explained that teachers will be added each year as students move up, with a middle school plan to be developed. In high school, foreign language options are available.
• Redistricting Impact: Councilman Hugo asked about potential budget effects. Dr. Bracey said the initial meeting with the redistricting firm occurred the prior week, but no timeline or financial impact is yet determined.
• Federal Impact Aid (Military Dependents): Councilman Hugo inquired about the process. Mr. Falk described the annual October survey sent to families; return rates are nearly 100% because funding hinges on it.
• State Budget Deadlines: Councilman Dunston cited Virginia Code § 15.2-2503, noting the April 1st estimate submission requirement and the May 15th school budget adoption deadline. He urged continued early collaboration.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Councilman Tillett asked about capital needs. Dr. Bracey confirmed a revised CIP list has been submitted to the city engineer, including the K–8 school project. The proposed site may need more room for playgrounds and athletic fields; a meeting with architects was scheduled for the next day.
• Average Daily Membership (ADM) and Truancy: Vice Mayor Moody asked about ADM trends. Mr. Falk stated a projected decrease of 162 students, which will reduce state funding. Councilman Dotson praised the division’s success in reducing chronic absenteeism (some schools down 50–80%). Dr. Bracey described interventions including Saturday school and after-school programs, funded locally.
• Marketing and Enrollment: Vice Mayor Moody suggested a marketing campaign to attract families who choose private or homeschool. Dr. Bracey noted ongoing efforts via social media and new programs (early college, CTE pay center) aimed at retention.
• Revenue Sharing Process: City Manager Carter proposed establishing a regular revenue sharing process between city and school staff to set annual funding levels collaboratively. School Board Chairman Potillo supported the idea, saying a small working group may be more efficient.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a presentation and discussion to inform budget negotiations.
• City Council members expressed general support for the $9.4 million request, emphasizing the priority of teacher salary compression and retention.
• City Manager Carter and Superintendent Bracey will work together on a revenue sharing framework to present to both boards.
• The school division will provide additional data on ADM impact and capital project details as requested.
• Next steps: Continued liaison meetings and budget workshops leading to the city's budget adoption by July 1, 2025.