Alexandria faces £5.65M budget gap over teacher pay deal
Alexandria City Council is reviewing a one-year collective bargaining agreement with the Education Association of Alexandria, costing the city £12.7 million. The deal includes step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and bonuses for staff. However, a £5.65 million budget gap has raised concerns among officials about funding and future planning.
The school system requested £292.3 million for the upcoming year, but City Manager Jim Parajon's proposed budget allocates only £286.6 million. This leaves a £5.65 million shortfall that must be addressed before final approval. Without additional funds, the school system may leave dozens of positions unfilled and cut non-personnel spending.
City Council has already approved advertising a one-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, though further rises this cycle are unlikely. Mayor Alyia Gaskins opposes any tax hike, urging the search for efficiencies instead. Meanwhile, School Board Chair Michelle Rief supports either a tax increase or alternative solutions to close the gap. Council members Canek Aguirre and John Taylor Chapman questioned why the agreement covers only one year, unlike Fairfax County's three-year model. Chapman noted his surprise at the shorter duration, seeking clarity on long-term financial commitments. Dawn Lucas, president of the Education Association of Alexandria, confirmed that the contract includes provisions for future negotiations. The council is now gathering more details before making a final decision on how to fund the agreement. If no resolution is found, the school system will proceed with planned cost-cutting measures to balance its budget.
The one-year contract will cost £12.7 million, but the remaining £5.65 million gap must be resolved. Without extra funding, the school system will reduce staffing and other expenses. Officials continue to explore options, including tax adjustments or alternative savings, before finalising the budget.
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