Tuscaloosa City Schools Approves $173M Budget For FY24

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education earlier this month voted to approve a $173 million budget for fiscal year 2024.

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Tuscaloosa City Schools says the budget includes $130 million for the general fund, along with a state-mandated 2% raise for all public education employees and a state-mandated minimum $15 per hour starting wage for employees in five positions — CNP, custodians, elementary and secondary instructional aides, and maintenance grounds crew.

TCS explained that the most recent salary schedule to reflect those increases was approved by the school board on Sept. 19.

Chief School Financial Officer Jay Duke said the school system hopes the pay raise will help keep wages competitive with rising costs due to inflation, in addition to attracting high-quality employees to these important positions.

Duke also said that the budget provides $1,000 per teacher in “classroom instructional support” money, which teachers can use to help stock their classrooms with needed instructional supplies.

This represents an increase from the $900 provided in years prior.

TCS points out that the salary and wage increases are primarily funded by the state, with the exception of the teacher units that are paid for through local funds. As a result, Duke said the increase in pay for those positions will be paid for with local funds.

TCS said its other local funds are dedicated to arts and music instruction, school safety, transportation and programs like Pre-K.

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