CPS 2023-24 budget to include pay raises for employees
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)
The Columbia Board of Education on Wednesday reviewed the potential 2023-24 school year budget, which among several things, includes a salary increase for CPS employees.
CPS has $10,459,241 set aside to cover the total cost of salaries and benefits. With $6,431,491 being used for employee salaries, and $981,417 being used to cover the cost of benefits.
This will increase the base pay for CPS employees from $13.50 per hour to $15 per hour.
BOE Chief Financial Officer Heather McArther said she hopes the increase will alleviate some of the pressures some staff may face.
"We've heard from our teachers and our certified staff that they can feel the additional pressures that are put on teachers when you don't have some of those non-certified positions filled," McArther said. "So, to make sure they have the support that they needed for our classrooms and our teachers and our students."
CPS has $100,000 set aside to cover the cost for substitute teachers, as well.
The budget also includes $1,221,000 for several "one-time additions' for the 2023-2024 school year. including:
- World Languages Curriculum Materials (Spanish 1 and 2) - $250,000
- Infinite Campus Super User Stipends - $140,000
- Russel Boulevard Elementary furniture and fixtures - $100,000
- Water Testing Contract - $100,000
- Curriculum Audit - $125,000
The Board will finalize the budget in June. It is also looking for early authorization to allow summer project work to be completed.
