Oconee Co BOE signs off on salary hikes for school staff

The five percent salary increases for all Oconee County School District employees are among the features of the School District budget that was approved by the Oconee County School Board this week in Watkinsville. The budget will be funded with a property tax rate that remains unchanged from last year’s Oconee County School District spending plan.

From Steve Colquitt, Oconee Co Schools...

Five percent salary improvements for all employees and staffing for the new Dove Creek Middle School highlight the fiscal year 2024 budget unanimously approved this week by the Oconee County Board of Education.

A budget of $105,970,180 was approved at the Board’s regular session on Monday and includes an adopted total millage rate of 15.5 mills, the same rate as fiscal year 2023.

“This budget reflects Oconee County Schools’ sound financial planning,” Superintendent Jason L. Branch said. “OCS remains committed to balancing fiscal responsibility and high student achievement. We are proud to provide a world-class education to our students while meeting the demands of a growing community.”

All OCS staff will receive a five percent salary improvement for a total of $3,675,000. Staffing for Dove Creek Middle School, which will open in July, will cost $1,750,000.

Additional key inclusions in the budget are: • Health insurance employer contribution increase ($5,000,000) • Twenty-four new growth positions ($2,272,000) • Step increases for all eligible staff ($785,000) • Academic and coaching supplement increases ($326,000) • Funds for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department to provide traffic control at schools ($169,000) • Salary adjustments for paraprofessionals ($120,000) • Technology improvements ($107,000) • A $2,000 supplement for special education paraprofessionals ($58,000)

The budget consists of 72 percent for direct instruction, 22 percent for support services, and six percent for instructional support. The budget will be financed primarily by state and local revenue.

“The Board is pleased to approve a budget that prioritizes people and maintains fiscal responsibility for Oconee County Schools,” Board Chair Kim Argo said. “We are happy to be in a position to recognize our staff for their efforts with no increase in the millage rate. Each component of this budget will help meet and exceed the standards for which our schools are known.”

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