Jackson-Madison County Schools propose $155 million budget with renovations, teacher raises

JACKSON, Tenn. — Next year’s school budget is pending final approval from county leaders. As the clock winds down, leaders are weighing some of the biggest priorities for the new fiscal year.

The Jackson–Madison County School System Board signed off on its proposed budget for the next year. We learned Tuesday the total comes in at $155 million and district leaders say they plan to use some of the district’s fund balance to help pay for several projects.

“Out of any of these years, the superintendent, the board have never gone over 96% of the budget, they’ve always been under budget,” said Greg Hammond, PIO for Jackson-Madison County Schools System.

Hammond says that track record is why they’re confident they can take on renovation projects such as JCM Elementary, formerly known as Alexander Elementary, North Side and South Side high schools.

“A lot of people were excited about Malesus STEM Innovation Center. A lot of people were excited about Hub City Central, but you have folks in the community that say hey, what about the rest of us,” said Hammond.

Renovations are not the only things planned for the next school year. The board also approved four charter schools applications.

“It’s all about choice, but then again, it’s all about local control. So, if we have to have the charter schools, why not partner with some local community folks,” said Hammond.

District leaders are also focusing on attracting and retaining their employees. Teacher salaries are expecting a boost from $51,000 to $54,000.

“If you’re an employee, you’re excited that longevity is going to continue, WeCare is going to continue,” said Hammond.

It’s not just programs and projects, the district is also looking at bonuses for some of those hard-to-fill jobs, plus longevity pay for employees who’ve been with the system the longest.

“The school board is going to take on 75% of the increase of insurance,” said Hammond.

In previous years, the district absorbed the total cost of health insurance increases, but agreed it would not be sustainable moving forward.

Now with the budget approved by the district, the next step is approval by the Madison County Commission.

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