JONESBORO, Ga. — Clayton County Schools has about 50,000 students and more than 7,400 employees.
According to salaries published online by nearby school districts, Clayton Schools lag behind the rest.
At a work session this week, the school board discussed changing that.
“We need to do something to be competitive. Now, we can’t be competitive. We cannot compete with Atlanta Public Schools. We don’t have the tax base. Some of the things that Atlanta is offering we cannot do. But I really feel like we can be more competitive than what we have done," said one school board member.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith is proposing several pay upgrades, including a $1,500 "loyalty incentive" for all employees.
Other enhancements include a $1,000 supplement for custodians and a 4.1% bump in pay for bus drivers. Increases are also being volleyed around for teachers and administrators, according to Smith.
Simeon Nunally is State Representative Eric Bell’s chief of staff. Bell represents Clayton County.
Nunally said it's imperative to bump up the pay to retain school district staff.
"We always need to remember our teachers whenever we writing up legislations first," Nunally said. "They are pushing us. We are all products of teachers. You are a product of a teacher. Every adult is a product of a teacher."
"For the most part, if we take care of home, you won’t have to leave home. That’s what we need to do is take care of home," Nunally said.
One more public school board hearing will be held on the proposed changes on Monday.
From there, board members will have to get a final recommendation on the increases from Dr. White.
A decision will have to be made on the pay increase by June 30.