SPS staff pay on the rise

Under the new budget, operating revenue is projected at $259.4 million, with expenses at $258.4 million.

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education this week approved the district’s fiscal 2016-17 budget with pay raises for staff.

The adopted budget projects operating revenue of $259.4 million and operating expenses of $258.4 million. That’s up from $247.7 million revenue and $240.6 million expenses in the current year’s budget, according to a news release.

The board set aside about 80 percent of the operating budget to pay for salary and benefits. Teachers will receive a combined cost-of-living increase and pay raise of 3.7 percent, and all other staff pay will increase 3.4 percent.

The projected revenue increase is due to a number of factors, including growth in Greene County’s assessed valuation of property, as well as increased state and federal funding, according to the release.

The budget also includes expanded funding for early childhood services, including new staff, and the creation of a full-time homeless liaison position.