On June 13, 2023, the MSCS School Board approved the proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year. Many of this year’s budget priorities were a direct result of input from teachers, students, parents, and the greater community. District officials worked alongside the Board to develop a budget that meets the needs of our students and staff. The budget makes historic investments in mental health supports, resources for English language learners, and compensation – specifically an additional $27.3 million for teacher compensation – the District’s largest investment in compensation to date.
Budget Highlights
This year’s budget focuses on Academics, Respect, and Safety.
Academic Advancements & Support
The $44.9 million in academic investments includes the purchase of new Math textbooks that align with updated state standards, English as a Second Language (ESL) supports, a field trip fund to increase students’ exposure to historic sites and the arts, and graduation coaches to provide enrichment for our high school students. MSCS is also investing $12.7 million for school and teacher supports, including giving teachers a bigger allotment for classroom supplies. The budget also provides academic performance bonuses to reward teachers who move the needle for students while also driving a culture of achievement.
There is also an investment in our College, Career & Technical Education (CCTE) and workforce development programs – with a $43.2 million Innovative Schools Grant recently awarded to the District.
Respect - Culture & Climate
Respect goes a long way, and it is important to treat our families, students, and staff with respect, ultimately improving our culture and climate.
For fall 2023, the District is proposing a teacher starting base pay of $47,000, compared to the state-mandated starting salary of $42,000 for new teachers. The increase is part of a new teacher salary schedule and an additional investment of $27.3 million toward teacher compensation.
This investment includes the highest starting salary for teachers in our community at this time and the highest percentage increase in the Memphis area. Reducing step increases from 30 years to 18 years, the new salary schedule gives teachers a faster path to the money.
In addition, investments have been made for other school-based employees, including mental health professionals, and general and special education assistants, making the total additional investment for employee compensation $78 million.
Safety
Safety has been at the forefront of all our minds. At MSCS, we are expanding our security infrastructure, youth development programs, and family supports. The Office of Safety and Security has worked diligently to secure our campuses and buildings, and this year, the District already has invested $17 million to upgrade safety-related technology. We look forward to rolling out these upgrades to additional schools during the 2023-24 school year with a $37.6 million investment. The money will fund upgrades for cameras and weapons detection, fencing, and extra personnel to monitor security equipment and campuses throughout the day.
Building Improvements - Capital Requests
The District is also requesting $65 million in Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds from the Shelby County Commission for deferred maintenance, school safety, building upgrades, and two new high schools (Frayser and Cordova areas).
Next Steps
MSCS’ proposed 2023-24 budget moves on to the Shelby County Commission for final approval at the end of the month.
Related Links
Proposed Budget Presentation