The Oconee County Board of Education unanimously approved a final total millage rate of 15.0 mills for Fiscal Year 2024 during a special session on Monday, July 31.

The Board has reduced the millage rate five times since Fiscal Year 2013, moving from 18.5 to the current figure of 15.0. During that same span, Oconee County has built and opened two schools (Dove Creek Elementary and Dove Creek Middle) and has grown by approximately 2,000 students. 

The first day of classes for 2023-24 in Oconee County is Wednesday, Aug. 2.

“The Board is focused on ensuring the school system has the resources needed to be a state and national educational leader,” Board Chair Kim Argo said. “Our decision making is guided by the belief that we must put our students first. The approved millage rate of 15.0 and the 2023-24 budget allow Oconee County Schools to maintain financial responsibility and support student achievement.”

The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $500,000 is approximately $258.39 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $475,000 is approximately $247.95.

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget of $105,970,180 was approved at the Board’s June 5 meeting. All OCS teachers and staff will receive a five percent salary improvement for a total of $3,675,000, while staffing for the new Dove Creek Middle will cost $1,750,000.

Additional key inclusions in the budget are:

• Health insurance employer contribution increase ($5,000,000)

• Twenty-four new growth positions ($2,272,000)

• Step increases for all eligible staff ($785,000)

• Academic and coaching supplement increases ($326,000)

• Funds for the Oconee County Sheriff's Department to provide traffic control at schools ($169,000)

• Salary adjustments for paraprofessionals ($120,000)

• Technology improvements ($107,000)

• A $2,000 supplement for special education paraprofessionals ($58,000)

The budget consists of 72 percent for direct instruction, 22 percent for support services, and six percent for instructional support. The budget will be financed by state and local revenue.

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