Raise Proposed For Fulton Schools Teachers, Employees

FULTON COUNTY, GA -- Fulton County Board of Education members recently got a first look at a compensation recommendation that, if approved, would continue to underscore Fulton County Schools as a sought-after metro school district for competitive teacher salaries and the first to pass on the teacher raises proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp.

The compensation plan is part of the Superintendent’s proposed 2020 budget, which will be formally presented in April.

“Salary is a key factor in the value proposition for an employee, and Fulton County Schools is committed to providing our employees a good day’s wage for a good day’s work while being fiscally sound,” Ron Wade, the district’s Chief Talent Officer, said in a press release. “Employees come to Fulton County Schools for many reasons. Our higher salaries may be one part, but it is also our reputation as a district that supports teachers and staff in their professional growth.”

During the board’s work session last week, 2020 preliminary revenue and expenditure projections were shared and included a recommendation that reflects a $2,775 salary increase as currently approved by the Georgia House of Representatives as well as a mid-year “step” increase for teachers, principals, assistant principals, counselors, media specialists, school social workers, school psychologists and pre-kindergarten teachers. A “step” is how school systems define an employee’s years of experience and compensates them accordingly.

Paraprofessionals, parent liaisons, clinic aides, bus drivers, transportation assistants, food service workers and custodians would receive a 3 percent salary increase, plus a mid-year step increase, if the recommendations are approved later this spring. The 3 percent increase represents a deliberate effort by the School Board and district leaders to tangibly recognize the steady contribution these employees make while being in traditionally lower-wage, harder-to-staff positions. In addition, all other district positions would receive a 2 percent salary increase as well as a mid-year step increase.

Step increases would become applicable in the January 2020 payroll for eligible employees. Those not eligible would be employees with unsatisfactory performances or those at the top of their salary scale.

The 2020 budget development is a multi-step process occurring over several months. The Superintendent’s Proposed Budget is expected to be presented in April, with final approval later this spring.