Richland One approves increases for teachers, staff

(Courtesy: RCSD1)

Richland Co., SC (WOLO) —- The Richland One Board of School Commissioners have voted unanimously to approve a measure that will increase the salary for educators and other staff members for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

During the third reading July 9, members discussed their $409.2 million dollar budget which includes an option to increase the pay for teachers across the board and other staff. Starting educators take home salary will jump from $43,640 to $50,100 annually. It also boost every cell on the teacher salary schedule approximately 9% percent.

In addition, the Board voted in favor of raising pay for educators who have a doctorate from nearly $87,000 to just above $91,000 a year. For school staff that are not teachers, the board approved a cost of living increase and roughly 4.8% percent increase in pay. While bus drivers will see a increase of over 5.5% percent which comes from the state mandated 2.75 percent hike in addition to the 2.8% percent increase for eligible non- teachers.

Dr Craig Witherspoon release a statement surrounding the approval of the 2024-2025 General Fund Budget saying,

“We are pleased to offer these well-deserved increases to our teachers and other staff
as part of our ongoing employee recruitment and retention initiatives,” said Richland
One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “Thank you to our Board members for their
support and approval.”