School Board proposes budget with employee cost of living adjustments and retention incentives

In a pivotal meeting on June 2, 2025, the Clayton County Board of Education laid out a budget plan that includes significant financial adjustments aimed at supporting staff and maintaining fiscal health. The board's discussions highlighted a proposed $1,500 cost of living adjustment for all employees, alongside a one-time retention incentive of $1,000 for full-time staff and $500 for part-time employees.

Board members expressed a strong commitment to transparency and effective communication, acknowledging past shortcomings in these areas. One member emphasized the importance of considering the long-term implications of budget decisions, recalling the painful experience of previous reductions in force (RIFs) and vowing to avoid such measures in the future.

The proposed budget outlines projected revenues of approximately $1.49 billion against expenditures of about $1.51 billion, indicating a planned utilization of $22.4 million from the fund balance. This would leave an estimated ending fund balance of $139.6 million, which equates to just over two months of operating expenses, a cushion deemed necessary for financial stability.

As the board prepares to vote on this budget, the focus remains on balancing employee support with the need for fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the district can continue to provide quality education without compromising its financial integrity. The anticipated outcomes of these budgetary decisions will be closely monitored as the district moves forward into the next fiscal year.