Action Items
A series of called meetings were held this month for public comment on the budget and millage.
Highlights include:
- $2,000 increase for all staff
- 1% COLA for all staff
- Additional $2,000 increase for employees on the teacher pay band
- Step increase for eligible staff
- Adjusting the pay bands for transportation, food and nutrition, custodians, and secretaries; minimum starting salary above $15
- Pay band adjust for school nurses
- Increase in pay for substitutes
“With this budget, a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s degree will start at $50,746,” shared Dr. Bearden. “This is a HUGE step forward for us. FCS is the 5th largest district in Georgia and continues to lead the state in academic performance. We must remain competitive with surrounding school districts in terms of salaries and benefits to not only recruit the best but also to keep the best.”
The FY23 millage rate was also approved. FCS is the largest employer in Forsyth County, with close to 90% of the budget being spent on salaries and benefits.
For the last eight years, the district has maintained the same operational millage rate (17.3). The proposed budget included a decrease in the debt services (bond) millage rate - from 2.418 to 1.418. This one mill reduction for taxpayers brings the debt services millage rate back to its 2010 rate.
“For those of you who live in Forsyth County like me, you have likely seen an increase in your projected property taxes,” shared Dr. Bearden. “Why? The market has driven property values to historic levels. The increase is not a result of the school district. However, we understand the challenges of our economy, and have lowered the debt services millage rate to ease the burden for taxpayers.”
