News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools has declared a significant pay increase for frontline employees, including bus drivers and custodians, effective for the upcoming school year. Salaries for these essential staff will rise by 10%, with additional adjustments for nurses. All employees will also benefit from a salary increment. This initiative reflects APS’s commitment to supporting its staff while ensuring quality education for over 50,000 students in the district.
Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has announced a significant pay increase for frontline employees, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals will see their salaries rise by 10%, reflecting the district’s commitment to adequately compensate its essential staff. In addition, registered nurses will receive a 1% market adjustment, while licensed practical nurses will see a 2% increase in their pay.
All APS employees will also benefit from a salary step increment in the upcoming school year, further enhancing their compensation packages. This implementation of pay raises aims to ensure that those who play a vital role in educating and supporting the approximately 50,000 students across 87 campuses receive the recognition and financial support they deserve.
The decision to allocate these pay increases is part of a broader strategy to reallocate budget resources for fiscal year 2026. Last year, APS made headlines by investing $9.3 million to provide teachers with an 11% salary raise, marking the largest salary increase for educators in over a decade. This ongoing investment in staff compensation underscores the district’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of education for its students.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson highlighted the importance of these financial initiatives during challenging fiscal circumstances, expressing gratitude to the Atlanta Board of Education for their support. The district acknowledges that adequate compensation is critical for retaining dedicated professionals who contribute to the academic and personal growth of students in the APS system.
Background Information
Atlanta Public Schools serves a diverse student body through neighborhood schools, charter schools, and alternative programs. The school district’s focus on financial resources for staffing demonstrates a recognition of the significant role that support personnel play in the education ecosystem. Ensuring that frontline employees are compensated fairly not only helps to attract and retain talented workers but also strengthens the entire educational infrastructure.
The schedule for the official implementation of these pay raises has not yet been disclosed. The measures announced are a continuation of APS’s efforts to create a conducive working environment that promotes both teacher and student success, with an aim to build a strong educational community where everyone feels valued.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Atlanta Public Schools remains committed to prioritizing the needs of its staff as well as its students. The systemic approach to budget allocation and employee compensation is intended to foster a robust support system that ultimately benefits the entire community.
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Additional Resources
- WSBTV: Atlanta Public Schools Give Employees 10% Raises
- 11Alive: Atlanta Schools Give Staff Pay Raises
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Public Schools Announces Pay Raise for Frontline Workers
- Wikipedia
- Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools Pay Raise
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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