Proposed Combined Funds Budget Focuses on Staff Compensation, Student Supports and Facility Opening and Maintenance

At the Jan. 5, 2023, School Board meeting, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt proposed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Combined Funds Budget for the school division with a focus on staff compensation, the opening of a new facility, renovation of a new building and preventive maintenance at other sites, as well as increased funding for grades K-4 literacy, high school math, English learner positions, student social-emotional support, school security services and expansion plans for middle school athletics and student athlete supports. The Proposed Combined Funds Budget for 2023-24, which includes the operating budget, provides additional school nutrition funds as well as grants and special projects, totaling $359.9 million. The ACPS Operating Budget of $329.4 million for the 2023-24 school year is an increase of 4.2% from last year’s budget.

The proposed budget includes measures to improve employee salary and benefits so that ACPS can remain competitive in the Northern Virginia region for recruiting and retaining high quality staff. These measures include funding for an average 2.63% step increase for eligible employees, an additional 2.5% increased market rate adjustment (MRA) for eligible employees, continued funding of increases within a range of 1.25% to 4.4% for phased MRAs for select employee groups, a 2% bonus for eligible employees on “Hold-Step” status and a moderate health care benefits increase for medical, vision and dental coverage costs. Funding was also included in this budget for attorney and labor negotiation costs for upcoming collective bargaining with employee groups. 

“This budget aligns with School Board priorities for the 2023-24 school year by targeting resources to advance our students’ academic success and well-being and ensure we can retain and recruit highly qualified staff,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “Our students and staff have experienced numerous changes that have impacted their daily lives, and the education industry has been forever changed. We have been able to make many lasting adjustments to improve our school division for the better, while also recognizing there is still work to be done to ensure our students are receiving the social and emotional supports needed for positive development and academic rigor to experience growth year after year.”

The full budget timeline and a summary of the budget process can be found on the ACPS Budget webpage. To watch the presentation from the Jan. 5, 2023, Board meeting, visit the School Board webpage.