School budget calls for first teacher raise since 2008

By PORTSIA SMITH

The Caroline County School Board is holding a public hearing Monday on the 2011-2012 proposed school budget.

The proposal, which Superintendent Greg Killough said is preliminary, calls for salary increases and seven new positions. If approved, this would be the first raise for Caroline teachers since 2008.

The proposed $35.8 million operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is about $2.7 million, or 8.3 percent, more than this year’s budget.

Greg Killough

Killough said the school system is expecting to receive more federal, state and county funds next year due to an increase in average daily membership. The budget is based on having 4,100 students, 10 more than this year. This budget asks for $13.6 million from the county, $2.6 million more than was received from the Board of Supervisors this year.

After 38 teachers left Caroline last school year to accept higher-paying jobs, Killough said it was important to show all employees that they are appreciated and needed.

The major area of increased spending in the operating budget will go towards salaries and benefits.

He said the proposal is a “needs-based budget that will attract, recruit and retain highly qualified administrators, teachers and staff who will provide an outstanding instructional program and a safe environment for our children.”

Caroline’s teacher salary scale, which ranked the lowest out of 13 localities in the region for new teachers, will be increased by about $1,800.

The hourly scale will go up by 8 percent, the first increase for teachers in three years. Administrators will see a 4 percent raise, the first administrative raise in four years.

The seven new positions include five new teaching jobs, one teaching assistant and a position in the transportation department that would work on electronic bus routing.

Other spending in the budget includes increased retirement contributions, additional textbooks, instructional material, equipment and supplies. Building, grounds and vehicle maintenance spending will also increase.

Parents and residents are encouraged to attend the 6 p.m. public hearing Monday at Caroline Middle School to comment on the proposed budget.

Additions:

salary increases:

teachers: $694,095

support staff:$425,565

administrators:$180,144

supplements: $66,102

New positions:

One spec. ed. teacher:$57,059

One spec. ed. teacher assistant:$21,468

Two elementary teachers:$114,119

Two secondary teachers:$114,119

One electronic routing position in transportation:$64,925

Other:

Textbooks: $70,000

SOL instructional materials: $30,000

Instructional supplies&equipment for CTE program:$20,000

Copy/printing services:$73,000

Maintenance service contracts:$30,030

Building maintenance: $202,012

Ground maintenance:$8,207

Transportation vehicle and equipment maintenance for supplies:$17,737

SUTA: $22,578

total: $2,754,334

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