Tentative Approval of the FY2024 Budget Could Result in up to $5,000 or more for DeKalb Teachers Plus, a $2000 Retention Incentive

The DeKalb County School District is pleased to announce that at its May 8, 2023, General Meeting, the Board of Education tentatively approved the District’s fiscal budget recommendations for the 2023-24 school year. Their tentative approval, demonstrates a resounding commitment to employees, who are indeed the Heart of DeKalb Schools!

Budget highlights include a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of six percent (6%) for all eligible employees. In addition to the 6% COLA increase, a step increase will be provided for all step eligible employees.

To put these increases into perspective, the average teacher’s pay will increase by $5,000-$6,500 annually when calculating a 6% COLA plus a step increase!

Note, these salary enhancements are in addition to the $2,000 retention incentive, approved by the BOE on January 9, 2023, that will be provided to all full-time benefits eligible employees who return for 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 at the school level
  • Additional custodial staff to ensure that our schools remain clean and safe learning environments for our students and staff

These salary enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining the best talent in our schools.

In all, the total of the tentatively approved budget is approximately $1.85 billion. Final Board approval is expected in June, and we will continue to provide updates as we move forward in the budgeting process.

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 students. These budget enhancements reflect that commitment and once again confirm that EMPLOYEES are the Heart of DeKalb Schools

Join me in thanking our Board of Education for their thoughtful consideration and tentative approval.