GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Teachers in the largest school district in Georgia woke up happy Thursday morning, after finding out they're due for a raise.
Gwinnett teachers are currently the lowest paid in the metro-area, behind Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County, Dekalb, Cobb, Forsyth and Fulton Counties.
The school district estimates the pay raises would put Gwinnett in 5th place on that list.
According to a new budget proposal, just released this week, the average teacher will receive a 4.38% raise.
Beginning teacher salaries will be raised to $41,028, up from $38,383.
All in all, the school district is proposing a $1.8 billion budget for next year. That's actually a decrease from last year because Gwinnett has completed most of the construction projects it had planned.
There is no property tax increase in the proposal.
School district officials say they wanted to boost morale and make the district more competitive by giving these pay raises.
Gwinnett also plans to hire 175 teachers and another 15 school bus drivers.
School board members are expected to vote on the budget during their May 21st meeting.
