The Augusta County School Board adopted its budget and a last-minute revision means teachers in Augusta County will get a pay boost next year.

The News Leader reports that the 2008- 2009 budget gives an average 4.5 percent pay increase.

The budget passed in a four to two vote, with one board member absent. The budget had originally proposed only a four percent bump.

The two members against the hike cited concerns about the economy and revenues coming in less than projected next year, but the four in favor said the budget will be fine. One member adds the increase will help keep talent in the county.

Nick Collins, Augusta County School Board member, says, "For us, there's always a desire to be competitive with our other local school divisions. We analyzed over the past several months where we were strong, and where we were not strong, and this helps us close some of those gaps."