WJCC schools adopt literacy program, discuss raises
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board adopted a standardized literacy program and discussed raises for teachers this week.
The board approved Benchmark Advance, which will cost nearly $1.3 million, to be the standardized literacy program for elementary students.
A goal for the program is to bolster literacy rates in the school system, which member Randy Riffle said he expected to take years.
“We need to get back to a point where every third grader can read before they’re in the fourth (or) fifth grade,” Riffle said. He said between 60% and 70% of K-5 students in the school system are on par for reading, and that number needs to be closer to 90%.
Riffle said that if students are not literate in time, they will fall behind in other subjects.
“I believe in Benchmark,” Riffle said.
Adopting Benchmark fulfilled the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act, which requires the use of a literacy core curriculum that has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education in every public elementary school beginning in the 2024-25 school year, according to WJCC Schools spokesperson Kara Wall.
“Benchmark Advance was the K-5 literacy core curriculum tool recommended to the superintendent and School Board by the curriculum selection and adoption committee,” Wall said.
The board also discussed pay raises for workers, but the numbers won’t be finalized until the school division knows its state funding.
“The superintendent’s proposed budget includes a 3% raise for all staff,” Wall said.
“The budget was prepared with information known at the time, including just $112,000 in increased state funding over last year as outlined in the governor’s proposal.”
However, during discussion at Tuesday’s meeting, support was expressed for a raise of up to 5%.
Riffle said surrounding areas are giving raises, and in order to remain competitive, WJCC should aim for 5%.
Riffle mentioned other ways to support workers, such as increasing sick days and making adjustments to health care benefits, but he said those considerations may have to be discussed next year.