CMS’ proposed budget focuses on salary, benefit increases

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district’s proposed $1.98 billion 2023-2024 budget was formulated by evaluating systems and initiatives that will help the district achieves its goals, particularly in student achievement and recruiting and retaining teachers, said Crystal Hill, the interim superintendent.

Hill brought the plan to the board of education Tuesday night.

The proposed budget rises to $2.2 billion with one-time COVID-19 relief funds, which expire in 2024.

CMS is asking for just over $596 million from Mecklenburg County, which is nearly $39 million more than what CMS requested last year.

A large portion of the budget focuses on salary and benefit increases.

CMS is banking on a 3% salary increase from the state for teachers, non-certified staff, principals, and central office staff.

The district is also proposing an increase in the supplements teachers and certified staff get from the county, which would make CMS the highest supplement of any district in the state if approved.

“The No. 1 thing that is going to impact positive student achievement is a fantastic teacher in front of every single student and then followed behind that, is a fantastic principal,” Hill said.

“Is there a plan to increase security and safety besides what you’ve already stated that you can go into detail next Tuesday, particularly in staff on the elementary school level?” asked Lisa Cline, CMS Board of Education member.

There is also funding for enhanced cyber defense and sustaining the amount of school resource officers.

To view the entire 2023-24 proposed budget presentation, and give your feedback visit this YouTube link.

To read the Interim Superintendent’s complete budget recommendations for the 2023-24 school year, click here.

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