Fulton County school board members considered at a meeting Tuesday the district's budget for next school year, which calls for a significant pay increase for teachers.
Superintendent Robert Avossa's nearly $921 million proposed budget includes a raise for teachers ranging from 4 to 8 percent – depending on their years of service. The proposed pay increases, among the largest proposed for educators in Georgia, also include "step" increases for years of experience.
The proposed budget also includes a 3 percent raise plus a step increase for non-teaching employees. It also proposes increasing work days for some employee groups. The school district employs nearly 12,000 people.
Avossa told board members the district — the fourth-largest in the state with close to 96,000 students — is not competitive enough when it comes to teacher salaries. He said Fulton is losing talented educators to Cherokee, Forsyth and other metro counties which pay more.
“We are focusing on how to improve teacher retention, particularly among teachers who are midway in their career,” he said. “Research indicates that it’s during this time – 6 to 20 years of service – where teachers have the most impact on students.”
School board members agreed and said the raises for teachers are needed. Fulton's current teacher salary range is lower than several surrounding metro districts.
“We hope this sends a message we’re appreciative of our staff and teachers,” said board member Linda Bryant.
“It’s a beginning, but we still have a ways to go,” said board member Julia Bernath.
The draft budget also keeps class sizes the same and does not include any staff reductions or furlough days for employees. A combined millage rate of 18.502 also is proposed, and if approved, will remain the same for a sixth consecutive year.
Public hearings on the budget are planned for May 5 and May 14. The school board plans to formally adopt the budget in June.
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