PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Petersburg teachers will soon get a $60,000 annual starting salary after the city council approved the school district's fiscal year 2027 budget Tuesday. The Petersburg City Council approved the budget on Tuesday, Sept. 15, marking what officials describe as "a significant milestone for the school division in terms of competitive pay rates," according to a release. The budget also includes the first phase of a competition and classification overhaul. Petersburg City Public Schools will now be able to do the following: Raise starting licensed teacher annual salaries to $60,000 Adjust the salary scale for current teachers This historic funding will allow the school division to recognize the dedication and hard work of its educators, as well as retain talent and give students the best education possible, school leaders said. “We are excited and grateful to the Petersburg City Council for their commitment to fund the compensation and classification salary study for teachers," said Superintendent Yolonda Brown in the release. "This is an important step in our work and in support of our Petersburg Forward 2031 five-year strategic plan priority #2, which is Talent Acquisition, Development, and Retention.” “The City of Petersburg is proud to take this important step toward making our school division more competitive across the region," said Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham in the release. "Establishing a $60,000 starting salary for certified teachers and providing raises for our current teachers demonstrate[s] our commitment to attracting talented educators and recognizing those who have faithfully served our students. This funding decision reflects City Council’s belief that a strong public school system is essential to Petersburg’s continued growth and success. By supporting our teachers, we are strengthening our classrooms, our workforce, and our entire community.” Petersburg School Board approved the budget for final approval and adoption on Wednesday, Sept. 16. ...read more read less