FY22 Budget Continues School Board’s Conservative Fiscal Approach
Brightening your schools
2021-2022 | CLASS ACT 39
The Cherokee County Board of Education this summer
unanimously approved a total budget of $567 Million
for the 2021-22 school year, with no increase in the
overall property tax rate. The budget, which was developed
over the course of six months, begins annually with
School Board Members establishing funding priorities for
the District.
Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Owen led a budget ad
hoc committee of staff throughout the winter and spring
to develop the plan, which balances the budget with no
increase in the school millage (property tax) rate for
2021-22.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower
said the budget represents a focus on fiscal efficiency and
placing priority on the classroom, while keeping teacher
and support staff salaries competitive for attracting top
talent to CCSD schools.
“Our School Board and our School District have a well
respected reputation for strong financial stewardship,”
said Dr. Hightower. “This budget reflects our efforts to
balance needs and resources, while adding some services
and supports we know our students and employees need
to be even more successful.”
The General Fund (operating budget) comprises most
of the annual budget, with $435 Million for day-to-day
operations. While the property tax rate stays the same,
this budget shifts a quarter of a mill from operating fund
to debt service which will reduce the need for future
construction borrowing— and the associated interest
costs.
The FY2022 Budget includes:
• Full school year (180 days) for students;
• No increase in millage rate for taxpayers;
• Longevity step increase for eligible employees;
• 1% cost of living raise for eligible employees;
• 125 additional teachers to meet student achievement
needs;
• More support staff for students— 2 nurses, 2
psychologists, 1 additional social worker;
• 69.1% of the General/Operating Fund appropriated
directly for school instruction;
• Additional teacher allotments in Career, Technical
and Agriculture Education (CTAE) and Gifted
programs; and,
• Utilizing “pay as you go” model for purchase of up
to 12 new school buses to replace aging vehicles, as
well as technology, infrastructure and other
capital outlay expenses using current Ed SPLOST
collections.
Revenue Notes:
State funding reflects a $9.4 Million State Austerity
budget cut; and,
Federal funding includes $15.7 Million CARES II
Federal funds for targeted needs and expenses:
• Additional teacher allotments to assist with
academic remediation efforts;
• Supplemental learning opportunities to include
summer school, before/after-school and in-school
tutoring;
• Additional teacher support for Digital Learners;
• Additional school-based staff (Nurses, Psychologists
and School Social Workers) to assist with the
physical and mental well-being and health of
students;
• Additional laptops for student use;
• Additional custodial support to contain the spread
of viruses; and,
• Replacement of air handling/mechanical equipment
where needed to support improved air
quality in schools.
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