Staff Costs, New Positions Largely Contribute To Proposed LCPS Budget Increase

ASHBURN, VA — Loudoun County Public Schools' superintendent presented an estimate of needs Tuesday to the school board, calling for a 7.2 percent budget increase. The estimate of needs is the first step in the school system's budget process, which is dependent on funding decisions by the state and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

The proposed $1.95 billion operating budget would be a $131.7 million increase from the last budget. Proposed increases can be attributed to rising staff costs, inflationary impacts on operational costs, more investments to support students, safety and security improvements and new positions to support students such as English learners and special education students.

"Our schools are a reflection of our community’s values, and this budget is a testament to our shared belief in the importance of education," said Superintendent Aaron Spence in a statement.

The budget comes as enrollment projections have changed since last year's budget process. The last budget had projected an enrollment of 83,038, but the actual enrollment was 81,257. In the new budget, LCPS is estimating an enrollment of 81,629, a 372 increase.

Meanwhile, special education and English learners students are anticipated to rise. The proposed budget projects English learners will grow 2.8 percent to 12,818, while special education students could grow 5.2 percent to 11,147.

Spence explained how costs continue to grow for LCPS despite slowing enrollment.

"About 90 percent of the increase in expenditures for FY26 are in personnel costs," Spence shared in the estimate of needs. "For example, for LCPS, providing a basic annual step increase alone costs roughly $26 million. If employees then receive cost of living adjustments our operating budget will increase, even with no new positions. In addition, there are typically increases in benefits costs as healthcare becomes more expensive, and there are other fixed costs that grow despite level or declining enrollment—things like fuel and utility costs that we do not control."

About 90 percent of the operating budget is attributed to staff costs. Pay increases are included in the proposal. Eligible employees could receive annual step increases averaging 2.5 percent, while a one-time 1 percent payment would go to eligible employees at the top step of the salary scales. Scale A (teacher) employees would get a 4 percent scale adjustment, and Scales B and C (universal and auxiliary) would get a 4 percent cost of living adjustment.

"I am proud that this budget not only includes step increases and top-of-scale payments but also a 4% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and an average 4% strategic teacher scale adjustment," said Spence.

The estimate of needs includes 376.36 new full-time equivalent staff positions. Specialized support positions for students such as English learners and special education students represent 282.6 — about 75 percent — of these new positions. Non-school positions would total 20.5 full-time equivalents, including administrative positions, maintenance, technology and more. Spence noted 95 percent of all new positions are school-based or include daily work within schools.

"I have stated and continue to state my intention to ensure staffing in LCPS remains focused on students," said Spence.

The Loudoun County School Board will hold work sessions on the budget on Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. A public hearing and budget adoption is scheduled for Feb. 4. If the budget request is not fully funded as the county and state go through their budget processes, the school board would need to amend the budget in May.

The county's budget proposal is expected to go to the Board of Supervisors in February, with adoption in April. The governor had proposed a state budget update in December and will receive the approved budget from the General Assembly in the coming months. Additional time would be needed to approve the state budget if the governor vetoes it with amendments.