The Superintendent’s proposed budget for the 2019-2020 school year, as presented to the Richmond County Board of Education, features pay and step increases for all employees without additional taxes.

Along with increases in performing arts funding, the budget recommends a reduction in class sizes and features a historic pay increase for teachers. Due to the $3,000 approved state salary increase, a new teacher in Richmond County will receive a starting salary of $41,114. Teachers across the system will receive, on average, a 9% increase.

While the state also included a 2% pay raise for bus drivers and school nutrition employees, the superintendent has recommended a 2% raise and step increase for all classified employees. Due to a federal grant, school nutrition employees will be receiving a total increase of 4%. LPNs and RNs will receive between $1,000 - $3,000 raises based on experience.

“I am excited about Governor Kemp’s raises for our teachers, but I am also happy all RCSS employees will receive raises through the budget presented this evening,” said Mr. Jimmy Atkins, President of the Richmond County Board of Education. “The pay increases for School Nutrition employees will help to
address their needs, as we addressed the needs of Public Safety and our Transportation employees over the last two years.”

“We are proud of the efficiencies we have been able to achieve through rightsizing and increased fiscal responsibility,” said Dr. Angela Pringle, Superintendent of Schools. “This budget is a reflection of the efforts of all employees over the last few years and I am pleased to be able to recommend continued pay increases for our employees.”

Other highlights of the budget include the opening of two new state-of-the art schools to accommodate growth from Fort Gordon and the opening of a Success Center on the campus of Butler High School. The Success Center will provide wraparound services to students and families across the county and will allow the RCSS to deepen its partnerships with area non-profits. The Cyber Academy of Excellence at the Richmond County Technical Career Magnet will be expanding in order to increase opportunities to participate in activities at the Georgia Cyber Center and to allow for further integration with Augusta
University and Augusta Technical College. As a system committed to equitable access for all children, technology will continue to be expanded across the county to enhance academic rigor. The budget also includes the Innovation Academy, a developmentally appropriate alternative school for boys and girls
designed to support students who need increased structure and discipline in their learning environment.