**Hampton School Board Approves Staff Raises & New Hires** The board greenlit salary boosts and additional roles, ensuring competitive pay and

# Hampton School Board Approves Major Salary Increases and New Positions

**HAMPTON, Va. –** The Hampton School Board has unanimously approved a significant boost in employee salaries and the creation of new positions, marking a major step in addressing staffing needs and improving employee retention.

## **Key Highlights of the Decision**

### **1. Salary Increases Across the Board**
- **Teachers and Staff** will see a noticeable salary bump, with the exact percentage varying by position and experience.
- The move aims to **close the pay gap** with neighboring school districts, making Hampton more competitive in attracting top talent.
- Additional **retention incentives** tied to performance and longevity were also discussed.

### **2. New Positions to Address Critical Needs**
- **Special Education Support Staff** – More aides and specialists to better serve students with disabilities.
- **Mental Health Professionals** – Additional counselors and social workers to support student well-being.
- **Instructional Coaches** – To provide targeted professional development for teachers.

### **3. Funding Sources**
The increases are made possible through a combination of:
- **State funding increases** for education.
- **Local budget reallocations** prioritizing employee compensation.
- **Federal grants** aimed at post-pandemic educational recovery.

## **Why This Matters**
Hampton schools, like many districts nationwide, have faced **staffing shortages** and **high turnover rates**, particularly in specialized roles. The salary adjustments signal a strong commitment to **valuing educators** and ensuring stable, high-quality instruction for students.

> *"This is not just about fairness—it's about keeping our best teachers in the classroom and making sure our students have the support they need to succeed,"* said one board member.

## **What’s Next?**
- The changes will go into effect **at the start of the next fiscal year**.
- The district plans to **continue reviewing compensation structures** to remain competitive.

### **What Do You Think?**
- **Should teacher pay be tied to test scores or performance metrics?**
- **Is increasing salaries enough to fix the teacher shortage, or are working conditions the bigger issue?**
- **Should school funding be reallocated from other programs to boost staff pay?**

This decision could set a precedent for other districts in Virginia. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

**Breaking Now News – BNN**