Newton County Board of Education Adopts FY 2026 Budget with Historic Compensation Investments; Moderation Elsewhere
Newton County, GA – At its regularly scheduled May meeting, the Newton County Board of Education unanimously approved the FY ‘26 general fund budget. This year’s budget represents a big step forward in both advancing employee compensation and exercising financial moderation in all other areas.
At the heart of the FY ‘26 budget is a historic investment in Newton County Schools’ staff members. The approved plan fully funds the district’s classification and compensation study which results in salary adjustments across all job families. The study was commissioned by the Board of Education to facilitate regional competitiveness. Of particular note:
- Through this budget, starting teacher salaries will now be $53,000 - a $12,000 increase from just five years ago.
- Veteran teachers, particularly those with 14+ years of experience will receive targeted salary adjustments to inspire continuation of service.
- Classified staff, including custodians, paraprofessionals, and school nutrition personnel will benefit from restructured pay scales aimed at addressing longstanding disparities.
“In a year marked by rising costs and growing financial obligations, including increased employer contributions to the Teacher Retirement System and higher health insurance premiums statewide, our Board made the deliberate decision to place our people first,” said Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III. “This budget is a statement of values. It affirms that those who serve students every day, often without recognition, deserve to be competitively compensated and professionally supported.”
While the budget reflects an overall increase of approximately 6.8% from FY ‘25, the Board of Education paired compensation advancements with conservative operational planning. Each of the district’s five divisions - Finance, Human Resources, Learning & Leadership, Operations, and Student Support Services, engaged in strategic reviews of their departmental budgets. Collectively, these divisions cut $500,000 from their operating budgets and did not request the addition of any new positions, except where legally mandated, such as in special education services.
“Even as we navigate an array of external pressures and state mandates, the Board held firm in our commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds,” said Board Chair Abigail Coggin. “We are proud of a budget that prioritizes compensation while maintaining fiscal discipline.”
Eighty-eight percent of the FY ‘26 budget is allocated to salaries and benefits which reflects the district’s focus on strengthening its workforce. These investments come amid statewide concerns about rising employer costs. According to reporting from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, school districts across Georgia are facing significantly increased expenses due to higher insurance premiums and retirement contributions. These are challenges that Newton County is meeting with strategic planning and clear priorities.
“This is more than a financial document, it is a blueprint for retention, recruitment, and an expression appreciation,” said Dr. Bradley – “and all credit goes to the vision and leadership of our Board of Education.”
With this budget, Newton County Schools positions itself as a regional leader in compensation, while modeling how to advance meaningful investment in people without compromising long-term financial health.