(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA)- The DeKalb County Board of Education (DCBOE) approved the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget with a 5-0 vote, demonstrating a deep commitment to employees who are the Heart of DeKalb Schools. This Board approval follows two public budget hearings with comments on June 12 and June 20.

Also, the Board voted to reduce the millage rate to 22.98 from 23.08 for FY24, which it has been since FY20.

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) proposed a $1.9 billion budget for all funds, including the General Fund (operating budget) of $1.5 billion. Budget highlights include a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of six percent (6%) for all eligible full and part-time employees. In addition to the 6% COLA increase, a step increase will be provided for all step-eligible employees.

“I am pleased that the Board of Education was able to adjust the millage rate in support of the community. This action goes a long way towards restoring trust with our stakeholders,” said DCBOE Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. “We are enormously grateful to all our talented and loyal employees for their hard work and dedication to providing the best possible education for our scholars. These budget enhancements reflect that commitment and once again confirm that Employees are the Heart of DeKalb Schools! Thank you to our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Byron Schueneman, and the Finance team, as well as Interim Superintendent Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, for an approved budget that supports each school and all students.”

To put these increases into perspective, teacher salaries—on average—are rising by $5,000 annually due to the combined effects of the 6% COLA and step increase. New pay range for teachers will be $56,976.00 – $108,764.00 with a standard renewable certificate. This is one of the highest in the metro area.

“I would like to express appreciation to our Board members for their continued dedication to our students, staff and District throughout this budgeting process,” said Dr. Tinsley.

“We know that in order to maintain our commitment to Keeping Students First, we must take care of our employees, and this budget reflects these values. As the District moves forward, I want our employees to know that we appreciate their commitment and encourage them to remain focused on the important work of fostering learning, growth, and compassion.”

The salary increases are in addition to the $2,000 retention incentives approved by the Board on January 9, 2023, provided to all full-time, benefits-eligible employees during the 2023-2024 school year.

Also included:

  • Additional hourly rate increases for bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and school resource officers
  • Additional school-level positions to support student achievement and health will be added, including academic coaches, mental health counselors, and social workers
  • Additional custodial staff to ensure that our schools remain clean and safe learning environments for our students and staff

Comprehensive information regarding DCSD’s FY24 Budget can be found at: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/superintendent/budget/