Atlanta, GA, July 24, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools has welcomed over 270 new employees, including teachers and principals, with significant pay raises to enhance staff retention. Teachers will see an 11 percent increase in pay, raising starting salaries to approximately $61,000. This initiative is part of APS’s broader strategy to improve educational quality and address staffing challenges. The district has ambitious goals to raise average teacher salaries to $100,000 by 2030, alongside implementing new safety measures for students. This onboarding and pay strategy reflects APS’s commitment to quality educational services and staff support.

Atlanta Public Schools Welcomes New Employees with Pay Raises

Atlanta, GA – Over 270 new employees, including 180 teachers and 20 principals, participated in a new employee orientation at Atlanta Public Schools (APS) on Tuesday morning as the district prepares for the upcoming school year commencing on August 4. This onboarding marks a significant expansion in human resources aimed at enhancing educational services within the community.

In a bid to attract and retain quality teaching staff, the Atlanta School Board has authorized an 11 percent pay increase for teachers, effectively raising starting salaries to approximately $61,000. Additionally, bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals are slated to receive a 10 percent pay raise. This move is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges of staff retention and recognition of frontline employees, as outlined by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson.

Long-Term Goals and Budget Adjustments

APS has established an ambitious goal to raise the average teacher salary to $100,000 by the year 2030, aiming to enhance the district’s competitive position in the educational landscape. To support these initiatives, a substantial budget of $1.3 billion has been allocated, which includes adjustments to eliminate 135 positions at the central office. This restructuring is intended to focus funds directly toward classrooms and critical educational needs.

Under the new strategic direction, APS is also reinforcing its no cell phone policy for students in the forthcoming school year, following a new state law requiring that cell phones be stored away during school hours from 2025-2026. This policy aims to promote a focused learning environment. In line with enhanced safety measures, the district will also implement mobile panic alert systems in compliance with new Georgia legislation, further prioritizing student and staff safety.

Challenges Ahead

Dr. Bryan Johnson has noted that improving student achievement remains the district’s most significant challenge. To address this, the district has recently introduced a foundational literacy curriculum and commenced training programs for staff starting last spring, aimed at enhancing educational quality and student performance.

As the new school year approaches, there is an optimistic outlook reflected in the statements of teaching staff. Educators like Radonte White envision transformative outcomes for students, hoping to inspire them to pursue diverse careers and dreams. This sentiment underscores the district’s commitment to providing quality education and fostering an environment conducive to students’ personal and academic growth.

Conclusion

With these significant changes and improvements, Atlanta Public Schools is positioning itself to better serve its students, staff, and the community in the educational sector as it prepares for the next academic year.

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HERE Resources

Atlanta Public Schools Welcomes New Educators
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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 Salary Increases for Frontline Employees
Atlanta Public Schools Announces Pay Raises for Frontline Employees
Atlanta Board Extends Superintendent Contract
Atlanta Board Extends Superintendent’s Contract
Georgia State University Secures Grant for Career Readiness

Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• WSB TV
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
• Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools pay raises

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.