ACPS looking to make 3% increase for teachers on proposed 2025 budget – [Video]

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — Albemarle County looking to make some big investments into the school system in 2025, primarily focusing on the educators themselves. 

“When I look at the budget it is not just about numbers. I see individual people that make our schools and departments thrive,” said Matthew Haas, superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools. 

70.9% of the proposed budget from ACPS is prioritizing instruction, including teacher pay. Haas says the goal is to increase pay by 3% to offer wages in the 60th percentile in a market that includes competing school systems such as Prince William County and Henrico County.

“That is what this whole process is really about, funding people so that they can work directly with our students and families,” Haas said. 

Also, within that 70.9% is funding for 27 new social emotional support coaches for students who are in need of mental health services. 

“The fact is that when …