Pay raises, security upgrades in Cherokee schools budget

A proposed school budget for fiscal 2019 in Cherokee County would have the millage rate unchanged, new spending for school security and a boost to starting teachers’ pay. AJC FILE

A proposed school budget for fiscal 2019 in Cherokee County would have the millage rate unchanged, new spending for school security and a boost to starting teachers’ pay. AJC FILE

A proposed budget for the Cherokee County School District envisions continued reductions in class sizes, more spending on safety and security, and no tax rate increase, with the millage rate unchanged at 19.45 mills for fiscal 2019, officials said.

The School Board recently reviewed the tentative budget and scheduled hearings for 11:30 a.m., June 13, and 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., June 21, in the school board auditorium, 1205 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The board is to vote on the budget at its regular meeting, 7 p.m., June 21.

The general fund would rise to $406 million in the next school year from $385 million currently. The budget covers enrollment growth of 750 students, 55 new teachers, longevity step raises, a 1 percent cost-of-living salary increase to eligible employees, and a $500 boost in the starting teacher’s salary, to $43,000.

The budget also calls for hiring three additional school police officers and two more counselors, and nearly $1 million to expedite the construction of security foyers. Information: https://bit.ly/2x6ZcmU