SPS board approves $370M budget

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education yesterday approved a nearly $370 million budget for the district's upcoming fiscal year.

The budget, which becomes effective on July 1 for the 2025-26 academic year, estimates revenues at $369.4 million and operating expenses at $369.9 million, according to a news release. The board was unanimous in its approval of the budget. 

The approved budget includes an increase of $9.3 million in employee salaries and benefits, district officials say. Employee compensation makes up roughly 80% of operating expenses at SPS.

Employees who are represented through collective bargaining are set to receive cost-of-living adjustments of 1.65% to 5.25%, as well as a step increase in some cases, said SPS Director of Communications Teresa Bledsoe. Employees who aren't represented through collective bargaining will receive a 2% cost-of-living adjustment and a step increase, she said.

"Attracting and retaining highly qualified employees ensures that SPS students are challenged in their learning and inspired by unique experiences that empower them to achieve their potential. That is why maintaining competitive and equitable compensation remains one of our top priorities," SPS Superintendent Grenita Lathan said in a provided statement. “At times, maintaining competitive compensation requires making difficult decisions, including reducing spending in other areas of the budget. These decisions are never made lightly. Our people are the most important investment we can make in supporting our 24,500 students."

The starting salary for teachers at SPS is projected at $45,917 in the next fiscal year, which is up from $39,946 in the 2021-22 academic year when Lathan took the reins as superintendent, Bledsoe said.