“We want to assure we provide an excellent return to the community for what they invest with our six tax supported funds, with only our education fund not supported by property taxes but by sales tax,” Holifield said prior to the budget public hearing, which brought no questions or comments.“The education fund, operations fund, operating referendum, capital referendum, pension debt and debt services comprise our budget.
McCall said the starting annual salary for a new first year teacher is $51,000, compared to the $41,000 salary prior to the COVID-19 pandemic years. Council member Diana Reed, D-1, who shares the duties of council liaison to the schools with council member Jack Pupillo, R-4, asked Holifield to elaborate for the public the need for the $6 million increase for the 2024 budget.
“Currently, our existing schools not only already handle our capacity needs right now, but also any future needs we would predict and forecasted future growth,” McCall said.