Decatur City Schools board approves tentative FY 2026 budget with salary increase proposal

The Georgia Board of Education faced significant discussions during its April 15, 2025 meeting, particularly regarding salary adjustments for staff and the approval of the fiscal year 2026 tentative budget. A key point of contention was the perceived disparity in salary adjustments between central office staff and classroom teachers, with board members expressing concerns about the narrative suggesting that some staff do not deserve cost-of-living adjustments.

One board member emphasized the importance of fair compensation for all employees, arguing that everyone should receive salaries reflective of their peers, regardless of their roles. This sentiment was echoed by others who acknowledged the hard work of staff but raised concerns about the implications of deficit spending to fund salary increases.

The board ultimately voted on a motion to approve the tentative budget, which included a proposed 0.5 mil increase aimed at covering expected staff salary increases. However, the initial motion failed, leading to further discussions about the necessity of a tentative budget to ensure timely financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

In a subsequent vote, the board approved a modified motion that included the proposed increase, with the understanding that this budget is not final and can be adjusted based on community feedback and further financial assessments. The board plans to revisit the budget on May 13, 2025, to finalize decisions based on updated information.

This meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges the Board of Education faces in balancing fair compensation for staff while managing budgetary constraints. The discussions underscored the importance of transparency and community engagement in the budgeting process, as board members seek to address concerns and ensure that all voices are heard before finalizing the budget.