The Oconee County Board of Education recently gave tentative approval to a fiscal year FY 2023 budget of $90,172,517. The budget includes a tentatively adopted total millage rate of 16.25 mills, a decrease of .25 mills.

“The goals of the Board are to continue to prioritize staff in the budget, plan for future growth, and maintain the highest standards of fiscal responsibility,” said Board Chair Kim Argo. “With consistency in conservative budgeting, the Board is pleased to approve a tentative budget that provides salary increases for all staff members, maintains a healthy fund balance, and reduces the millage rate.” 

Included in the budget are the following:

Salary improvements for all certified and classified staff – $2,290,000

$2,000 increase for certified staff - $1,825,000

3% increase for classified staff - $465,000

Nineteen additional staff positions due to growth in the areas of special education, regular education, and business services­ – $1,567,000

$20 per day increase for substitute teachers - $84,500

Step raises for all eligible staff – $800,000

Teacher retirement rate employer increase – $90,000

Fund balance maintained at 28.09% for future growth

“Oconee County Schools maintains a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and high achievement, which are well-reflected in our 5-Star Financial Efficiency Rating from the Georgia Department of Education,” said Superintendent Jason L. Branch. “In addition, our Business Services division continues to oversee financial practices resulting in excellent audits. As a school district, we are pleased to provide a world-class education to our students while meeting the demands of a growing system as we engage in conservative budgeting and sound financial planning.”

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.

Budget hearings will be held on May 16 and 23, both at 4 p.m., at the OCS Central Office, located at 34 School St., Watkinsville, Ga.

The Board is scheduled to give final approval to the proposed tentative budget at a board meeting Mon., June 6, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the OCS Central Office as well.

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