As a candidate for Norfolk City Council representing Superward 7, I am passionately committed to ensuring that every child in our city receives a high-quality education. My dedication to this cause has been evident throughout my tenure on the Norfolk City School Board, where I have consistently worked to improve our schools. One of my most significant actions was moving for the adoption of the FY2025 Norfolk Public Schools Budget—a budget that I believe is a crucial step towards a brighter future for our students, educators, and community.
Why I Moved for the Adoption of the Budget
The FY2025 Norfolk Public Schools Budget is a comprehensive plan designed to address the critical needs of our education system. Here are the key reasons why I supported this budget:
1. Substantial Investment in Educators
Our educators are the foundation of our schools, and they deserve competitive salaries and benefits. The FY2025 budget allocates a significant 84% of its total $671,634,232 to employees' salaries and benefits. This commitment ensures that our teachers, administrators, and staff are compensated fairly for their invaluable work. The budget includes an average salary increase of 5.94%, which is crucial in attracting and retaining top talent in our schools.
2. Increased Starting Salaries
One of the most impactful changes in this budget is the increase in starting salaries for teachers. The starting salary has been raised to $57,500, a substantial increase that positions Norfolk Public Schools as a competitive employer in the region. This increase not only helps us attract new teachers but also demonstrates our commitment to valuing the hard work and dedication of our educators from the outset of their careers.
3. Closing the Compression Gap
Addressing salary compression has been a priority in this budget. Compression occurs when there is little difference in pay between employees regardless of their skills, experience, or seniority. By closing this gap, we ensure that long-serving teachers receive salaries that reflect their experience and contributions, thereby promoting fairness and boosting morale among our staff.
4. Bonuses and Incentives for Recruitment and Retention
The budget also includes several innovative bonuses and incentives aimed at recruiting and retaining high-quality educators. These include:
Retention Bonuses: Up to $3,000 for eligible full-time contracted employees who renew and complete their contracts.
Recruitment Bonuses: Various bonuses for new teacher hires, including a $2,000 "Let’s Get Started" payment for student teachers who begin full-time employment and a $500 relocation bonus for new hires from outside the Hampton Roads area.
Performance Bonuses: Bonuses for eligible teachers who join or remain in our Equity and Excellence Learning Centers (EELCs) at designated schools.
5. Comprehensive Support for Equity and Excellence
The establishment of Equity and Excellence Learning Centers at four schools, including P.B. Young Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School, is a key initiative in this budget. With a $425,000 allocation to support varied activities and a $100,000 provision for EELC teacher specialists, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can succeed.
6. Prioritizing Safety and Well-being
The budget also addresses the need for a safe and supportive learning environment. Allocations for safety, security, building maintenance, and social-emotional learning resources are critical components that ensure our students can thrive both academically and personally.
A Vision for Norfolk's Future
My vision for Norfolk is one where every child has access to an excellent education, where our educators are supported and valued, and where our schools are safe and inclusive environments for all. The FY2025 budget is a bold step towards this vision, and as your City Council representative for Superward 7, I will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize education and community well-being.
Join Me in Supporting Our Schools
The future of Norfolk depends on the quality of education we provide today. By supporting this budget and my candidacy for City Council, you are investing in a brighter future for our children and our city. Together, we can ensure that every student in Norfolk has the opportunity to succeed and that our educators receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to serving you on the Norfolk City Council.
Carlos Clanton, Candidate for Norfolk City Council - Superward 7
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