VIERA, Fla. – Leaders with Brevard Public Schools announced a pay increase for teachers and staff for the upcoming school year.
During a news conference Wednesday, the district said employees would see a boost in their paychecks starting Aug. 31.
The announcement comes after voters approved a millage increase in November. The revenue is to be used for an increase in employee compensation, student programs and technology.
Officials said 80% of revenue will be set aside for employee compensation, 16% for student programs and 4% for technology.
With BPS facing staffing shortages, like many districts across the state, acting Superintendent Sue Hann spoke about how the money will play a large role in retaining veteran teachers and help recruit new employees.
“We want to have strong compensation for our veteran teachers as well as our incoming teachers, but we also great support for our new teachers,” Hann said. “We’re looking at some different programs to surround them with a supportive environment.”
Hann said the compensation scale is based on years of service.
The property tax hike for residents isn’t scheduled to begin until January, but district officials said they were able to allocate funds for the upcoming school year with the assurance that additional revenue will come in.
The property appraiser is expected to submit an assessed value this summer.
The millage increase will last four years, unless extended by voters.