Bibb County schools pass smaller budget for next school year. Teacher raises prioritized
The Bibb County Board of Education passed its budget for the 2024-25 school year Thursday, increasing teacher salaries after concerns were raised about poor pay.
The $388.3 million budget is actually $22 million less than last year, with major decreases in the amount of money allotted for special revenue and renovation projects. A majority of funding will come from local property taxes, projected at $92 million, and state revenue at $160.8 million.
Instruction makes up a majority of the projected costs, at 61.1% of the projected expenditures. That cost includes increased salaries for all certified staff, staff whose role requires a degree or certification, and an increase for classified staff members who don’t hold a certification for their work.
“Raises for teachers will make Bibb County more competitive with surrounding districts,” District 6 board member James Freeman said in an email, “while raises for campus police, bus drivers and school nutrition will help us attract and retain key support personnel.”
Last year, Bibb County’s salary for its teachers was $5,000 less than Houston County. This year, raises for certified staff include a $2,500 salary increase mandated by the state and a 2% increase provided by the district. Additionally, classified staff, like bus drivers and para pros, are getting a 5% increase. Benefits for all staff also increased due to a state mandate.
In an informational memo, the Bibb County Board of Education said these increases “begin addressing significant salary gaps.”
Beyond staff salaries, the budget also provides for student learning platforms, like i-Ready math, and platforms for the district initiative to increase literacy. It also includes funds for instructional training and improvement while reducing operational expenditures by 10%.
“Cost-cutting efforts resulted from a thorough review of all programs. The focus throughout the budget process was alignment with our strategic plan to ensure student success,” said Freeman.
