LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fayette County Public Schools becomes the first district in the state to set starting teacher salaries above $50,000.
The Fayette County Board of Education has approved a tentative budget for the 2023-24 school year, which includes a $28.9 million investment to raise teacher salaries for a second year in a row.
The spending plan ensures contracted FCPS employees will receive an average pay raise of 8%, with a guaranteed minimum raise of 4%. Starting teacher salaries in FCPS will become the highest in the state — at $50,085 for 189 days.
Other highlights of the new spending plan include:
- $8.9 million to add 157 more teachers and other professionals to provide direct service to students.
- $900,000 toward enhancing early childhood education, opening more preschool classrooms, and adding another grade level at both Rise STEM Academy for Girls and George Washington Carver Academy.
- $448,000 to expand innovative programming and college and career exploration activities.
- Additional funding for band and orchestra instruments, necessary maintenance and facility upgrades, and the acquisition of new air-conditioned school buses.
The tentative budget invests 86% of new spending – more than $40.6 million – directly into schools and classrooms for the benefit of students.
Tonight, our @FCPSKY Board of Education is proud to make a historic investment in our students and staff, becoming first district in Kentucky to set starting teaching pay above $50,000 with average 8% raise. Valuing our public schools includes valuing staff who make them possible pic.twitter.com/ERJSy2RqMk
— Tyler Murphy (@TylerMurphyKY) May 23, 2023
