The Oconee County Board of Education recently gave tentative approval to a fiscal year FY 2022 budget of $86,685,080. The budget includes a tentatively adopted total millage rate of 16.5 mills, the same as last year.

“The Board’s desire is always to prioritize staff in the budget. After the exceptional job of our school system during this unprecedented year, the need to recognize our people is more important than ever,” said Board Chair Tom Odom. “With long-standing conservative budgeting, Oconee County Schools is well-positioned to provide retention supplements for all staff while maintaining a strong financial position. The Board is proud to approve the 2021-22 tentative budget for our outstanding school system.”

Included in the budget are the following:

• One-time $1250 retention supplement for all staff – $1,400,000 
• $1 per hour increase for bus drivers, custodians, and school nutrition staff – $250,000
• Seven additional staff positions due to growth in the areas of special and regular education­ – $652,000
• Step raises for all eligible staff – $815,000
• Teacher retirement rate employer increase – $450,000
• Technology costs – $288,000
• 12-month employee modified workday from 245 to 240 – $0
• Fund balance maintained at 20.48% for future growth and planning

“Oconee County Schools has consistently been committed to high achievement and fiscal responsibility, both of which are reflected in our 5-Star Financial Efficiency Rating from the Georgia Department of Education,” said Superintendent Jason L. Branch. “With consistently sound financial planning, we are well-positioned to meet the growth in our county and to continue delivering the world-class education for which our community is known.”

The budget is 72% for direct instruction, 6% for instructional support, and 22% for support services. The primary revenues to support the budget are state funding and the local tax digest.

The Oconee County Board of Education will hold budget hearings for the FY22 General Fund Budget in the Board Meeting Room at the Superintendent’s Office located at 34 School Street, Watkinsville, GA, on May 18, 2021 at 5 p.m. and June 7, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The Board is scheduled to give final approval to the proposed tentative budget at a board meeting Mon., Jun. 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. at the same location.

For more information, please visit www.oconeeschools.org/budget.