Atlanta, July 24, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools recently onboarded over 270 new teachers and staff members at an orientation event held at North Atlanta High School. The district is implementing an 11% salary increase for teachers, bringing their starting salary to approximately $61,000 annually. Alongside cutting 135 jobs from its central office to fund classroom budgets, APS is introducing new policies on electronic devices and enhancing safety measures. These efforts mark significant preparations for the upcoming school year, with a renewed focus on student achievement and literacy improvement.
Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recently welcomed more than 270 new teachers and staff members during a new employee orientation held at North Atlanta High School. The event marked a significant start for the school system as it prepares for the 2025-26 school year, which kicks off on August 4.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson took the opportunity to address the new hires, outlining the district’s plans and initiatives for the upcoming academic year. This year alone, APS has hired over 180 new teachers, alongside 20 new principals who will oversee various schools throughout the district.
In a continuing effort to retain and attract quality educators, Atlanta Public Schools has approved an 11% salary increase for teachers. This pay adjustment will raise the starting salary for teachers to approximately $61,000 annually. Additionally, bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals will also see a 10% raise in their salaries. Looking forward, Superintendent Johnson has outlined a goal to increase the average teacher salary to $100,000 by the year 2030.
As part of a $1.3 billion budget, APS has made significant changes to its staffing structure by cutting 135 jobs from the central office. The savings from these cuts have been reallocated to boost funding for classroom and school budgets, a move aimed at enhancing educational resources and support for students.
In terms of student safety and classroom management, APS is reinforcing its policy on personal electronic devices. Students will be required to keep their cell phones turned off and out of sight during school hours. This updated policy complies with a new state law that mandates similar requirements across other school districts, effective next year.
Furthermore, Superintendent Johnson emphasized new safety measures, including the installation of mobile panic alert systems in compliance with state law for K-12 schools. These initiatives aim to creat a safer educational environment for both students and staff.
On the academic front, APS is focusing on improving student achievement, especially in literacy. To support this goal, a new foundational literacy curriculum will be introduced this school year. The district is dedicated to providing necessary support systems for both students and frontline employees, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in learning.
Veteran teachers like Radonte White have shared insights about the profound impact educators can have on their students’ lives, emphasizing the importance of the role that new teachers will play in shaping the futures of children within the Atlanta community.
The 2025-26 school year promises an array of enhancements and improvements that aim to create a more effective learning environment throughout Atlanta Public Schools.
FAQ
1. When does the school year start for Atlanta Public Schools?
The first day of school is set for August 4.
2. How many new employees did APS hire this year?
APS hired over 270 new teachers and staff members, including over 180 new teachers and 20 new principals.
3. What salary increase was approved for teachers in APS?
An 11% raise was approved, raising starting salaries to about $61,000 per year.
4. What significant budget changes have occurred in APS?
135 jobs were cut from the central office to help allocate savings towards classroom and school budgets with a total budget of $1.3 billion.
5. What is the new policy regarding student cell phones?
Students are required to keep their phones turned off and out of sight during school hours, aligning with a new state law.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Employees | 270 new teachers and staff members onboarded. |
| Salary Increases | 11% increase for teachers; new starting salary at $61,000. |
| Job Cuts | 135 jobs cut from central office; $1.3 billion budget reallocation. |
| Cell Phone Policy | Students must keep phones turned off during school hours. |
| Safety Measures | Mobile panic alert systems implemented as required by state law. |
| Literacy Focus | New foundational literacy curriculum introduced to improve student achievement. |
| Start Date | School year begins on August 4. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Public Schools Adjusts Calendar and Job Structure
Atlanta Public Schools Announces Pay Increase for Staff
Atlanta Public Schools Plans Salary Increases for Staff
Atlanta Public Schools Increases Pay for Frontline Employees
Atlanta Public Schools Announces Pay Raises for Frontline Employees
Atlanta Board Extends Superintendent Contract
Atlanta Board Extends Superintendent’s Contract
Atlanta Public Schools Announces New Leadership and Calendar Changes
Atlanta Board of Education Approves $1.3 Billion Budget
Atlanta Mourns Beloved Educator Paul Bianchi
Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Teachers Staff Orientation
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- Atlanta News First: Welcome New Employees
- Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools 2025
- AJC: School Start Dates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Fox 5 Atlanta: New Teachers Raises
- Google News: Atlanta Public Schools
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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