On April 14, the School Board tentatively adopted Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) budget, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts. The proposed FY2023 Budget supports GCPS’ strategic direction, aligning with the district’s efforts, as part of the Learning 2025 network, to transform public education so that it is truly student-centered, equity-focused, and future driven.
The proposed FY2023 Total Budget is approximately $2.8 billion, a slight decrease from last year’s budget. The General Fund budget, which covers the day-to-day operations of the school district, accounts for 70% of the budget.
Every teacher will receive a $2,000 salary increase. Teacher pay increases reflect the Governor’s proposal at $2,000 for every step and lane on the teacher salary schedule.
All employees not paid on the teacher salary schedule will receive a minimum 4% cost-of-living increase. The starting pay for classified positions is increasing to a minimum of $13.50, with paraprofessionals at nearly $15.00 per hour ($14.94) for next year.
This budget includes the addition of 182 teaching positions to lower class sizes. This is the first year of a multi-year plan to address class size.
Additional funding will provide program initiatives and personnel to support the whole learner. In addition to funding from the FY2023 Budget, GCPS will use funding from Coronavirus, Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA)/CARES II and the American Rescue Plan Act to provide support for students; hire behavioral specialists, psychologist, and social workers; evaluate afterschool programs; and fund summer learning.
GCPS is investing in early literacy through materials and professional development to support the science of reading and structured literacy. This budget provides funding for a full-year pilot of reading instructional materials at approximately 25 elementary schools and professional development in the science of reading and structured literacy for all K–3 teachers.
Funding is provided to launch a general education pre-K pilot in eight elementary schools—a total of 16 classrooms, serving 256 students. This pilot program will help in closing the gap in terms of available quality pre-K programs available in Gwinnett.
A number of improvement items expand access and opportunity for all students. The budget provides funding to expand transportation options for choice programs, adds 18 college and career specialists, and ensures 1:1 technology access for all students in grades 3–12.
The district’s fund balance is expected to grow, as has been the case for the last two years. Maintaining a healthy “rainy day fund” helped the district maintain its AAA rating from Standard and Poor’s and Aaa from Moody’s Investors Service. This means the district pays the lowest interest rates available in the bond market.
Millage rates will hold steady in this year’s balanced budget proposal. The Maintenance and Operations (M&O) rate will remain at 19.70 mills and the Debt Service rate will hold steady at 1.65 mills.
What’s next in the budget process?
Next steps are two public hearings, scheduled for May 19 and June 16. Both hearings are set for 6 p.m. in the Board Room, prior to regularly scheduled Board meetings. Following these hearings, the Board will adopt the budget and set a tentative millage rate. The final millage rate adoption will take place in July. Find a copy of the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget document and watch the FY2023 Board Budget Work Session Presentation on the school district’s website.