DeKalb County Board of Education Approves FY25 Budget that Highlights Commitment to Staff and Community; Decreases Millage Rate

For the Second Consecutive Year, Millage Rate Lowered by .10 Mills

(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA)- On June 24, the DeKalb County Board of Education (DCBOE) approved the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget, demonstrating a strong commitment to its current and future employees. This Board approval follows two public budget hearings with comments on June 17 and June 24.

Additionally, the DCBOE voted to reduce the millage rate by 0.10 mills to 22.88 for FY25, marking two consecutive years of reductions. It was decreased in FY24 to 22.98 from 23.08, a rate in place since FY20.

“We began developing this budget with a clear goal of enhancing outcomes for all student populations in all schools and appreciate the Board’s guidance throughout this process,” said Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton. “This budget reflects our commitment to equity by investing in our staff and funding support systems that will positively impact students, families, and the communities that rely on us to get it right.”

Board Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., emphasized the Board’s dedication to balancing priorities, expected outcomes, and the responsible management of public funds.

“The Board of Education is thankful for the thoughtful and strategic work of Dr. Horton and his staff in addressing the challenges the District currently faces while looking to the future to improve opportunities for our scholars,” Mr. DaCosta said. “Board members also spent a great deal of time listening to our families, business leaders, and community partners. Based on these valuable conversations, we decided to lower the millage rate by .10 mills for the second consecutive year.”

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) proposed a $2.05 billion budget for all funds, including the General Fund (operating budget) of $1.58 billion. Budget highlights include:

  • Retention and New Hire Incentives were approved by the Board in May.
  • Step increases for all step-eligible employees.
  • An aggressive restructuring of our teacher salary schedule, increasing teacher salaries by 6.1% on average.
  • Implementing the compensation and classification study results, increasing 97% of non-teaching salaries by 5.0-5.5%.
  • Additional Early Learning classrooms.
  • Ongoing supplemental support for Horizon schools.
  • Extension of the IGNITE Teacher Residency Program.
  • A Security Associate for each elementary school.
  • Senior Advisors for each high school.

DCSD remains committed to fostering an environment where employees and students can thrive, supported by strategic financial planning and community collaboration.

The Board presentation, which provides overview information regarding DCSD’s FY25 budget, can be found HERE.

Information regarding the total DCSD FY25 Budget is HERE.