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Teacher pay and student activity fund highlighted in ACS budget
A record investment in teacher and employee pay and the addition of a student activity grant fund are two of the highlights in next year’s Arlington Community Schools budget. The unanimous approval of the 2023-2024 budget by the ACS Board of Education underscores its unwavering dedication to prioritizing academic and student achievement and implementing strategic initiatives to attract and retain top talent.
The budget, which begins July 1st, includes a three percent cost-of-living adjustment for all employees, the highest-ever in district history, and a step increase. Notably, the district has recognized the importance of supporting its most experienced teachers and employees by adding an additional step to the salary schedule and adding an extra personal day for those employees, an immediate benefit for the district’s veteran employees who are currently at the top of the pay scale. Based on the latest report from the state Comptroller’s Office, ACS boasts the highest average teacher salaries in Shelby County and ranks 4th in the state. This demonstrates the district’s commitment to investing in employee pay, a trend that will continue with next year’s budget.
“Our employees are the greatest asset we have to ensure our students have the best access to a stellar education,” ACS Chairman Dr. Dale Viox said. “As a founding ACS Board Member and President-Elect for the Tennessee School Boards Association, I have continually advocated for higher teacher pay, and that pledge and investment over the past decade has placed ACS among the top in the state for teacher pay. Being a teacher is a demanding profession that requires unwavering dedication. The Board and Superintendent Jeff Mayo recognize the commitment our employees make and believe prioritizing competitive pay and benefits is a strong recognition of their hard work.”
While healthcare costs continue to increase nationally, the district is proud there will be no rise to healthcare premiums, locking in current rates for the 2023-2024 school year and bolstering the cost-of-living adjustment and step increase. Additionally, the district will continue its incentive stipend pay for substitute teachers to maintain a high-quality applicant pool, especially for days of the week that are hard to staff.
District creates student activity fund to enhance clubs, orgs & academics
Possibly the most exciting initiative for students in next year’s budget is the introduction of a half million-dollar Student Activity Grant Program. This groundbreaking fund will empower clubs, organizations and sports teams, especially those without established funding bodies, to seek financial support through grants. Approved grants may help fund special projects, cover conference and registration fees, support travel expenses, purchase equipment or meet other programmatic needs.
“I am so excited about the Student Activity Grant Program because we will see it immediately enrich the educational and extracurricular experiences of our students throughout the entire district and foster a level of innovation that we have yet to see,” said Viox, who brainstormed the idea with Superintendent Mayo as a way to support the interests of students in all Grades PreK-12. It will also help families and club sponsors address unplanned and typically unfunded expenses. “Transforming extracurricular opportunities to be more equitable and available to all students is one of the most important things we can do to keep students engaged in learning and the school community,” Viox continued. “As someone who benefitted from public education opportunities, I am immensely proud to champion this innovative solution.”
The fund is closely aligned to the district’s latest strategic plan, The Portrait of an ACS Graduate. During the strategic plan process, parents, students and employees said they wanted more support for student clubs, organizations and service-learning projects. The Student Activity Grant Program will help ACS students grow in the Portrait’s tenants: Communicate Effectively, Collaborate Intentionally, Cultivate Creativity, Be Resilient and Lead with Empathy.
Other notable highlights from the 23-24 budget include:
- An additional Special Education teacher at Donelson Elementary
- Two Behavior Assistants at each elementary school
- The continuation of an additional Speech Pathologist
- A Transition Counselor at Arlington Middle to help the student transition to high school
- A full-time District TV & Media Engineer to support Arlington High’s award-winning film & video program
- iPad refresh for Grades K, 1st, 5th, 9th and elementary/middle teachers
- An ACS paid student internship to promote Work-Based Learning
The budget also addresses several Capital Improvement Projects throughout the district:
- The continued Fine Arts Expansion project at Arlington High (read more about this project here)
- The construction of locker room and concessions for AHS Softball
- Initial architectural design and groundwork for a new AHS Football field house
- Upgraded LED lights throughout the AHS athletics complex
- Theatre stage and lights renovation at Arlington Middle
- A cafeteria kitchen remodel at Arlington Elementary
- Continued regular maintenance and replacement of HVAC system at Arlington High
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