After public outcry over Clayton County Public Schools not offering a raise for the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Dr. Anthony W. Smith has proposed three potential compensation packages aimed at rewarding the district’s more than 7,000 employees.
“This tiered approach ensures the most meaningful increases reach those earning the least,” said Dr. Smith. “These options align with our efforts to create and maintain a positive working environment in the face of difficult and uncertain economic conditions. It is our hope that our employees understand how much we value their commitment to our district.”
The proposals, presented during ongoing budget discussions with the Clayton County Board of Education, hope to address the district’s efforts to support staff retention, equity, and morale amid uncertain economic conditions.
Three Compensation Options on the Table
Dr. Smith has outlined the following three options for Board consideration:
- Option One: A one-time $1,500 Loyalty Incentive for all current (2024-2025) employees who return for the 2025-2026 school year. If adopted, the incentive would be distributed in August 2025.
- Option Two: A $1,500 permanent salary increase for all employees, across all salary grades. The raise would equate to percentage increases ranging from 0.8% to 6%, with employees in lower pay grades receiving higher percentage boosts.
- Option Three: A combination of both previous options—a $1,500 salary increase for all employees plus a $1,000 Loyalty Incentive for returning staff.
In speaking with district staff many of bemoaned the need for Clayton County Schools to increase their base salary for teachers.
What the $1,500 Raise Means by Salary Level
To emphasize the impact of the raise, the district released a breakdown of what a $1,500 increase represents across various salary levels:
| Annual Salary | % Increase |
| $25,000 | 6.0% |
| $30,000 | 5.0% |
| $40,000 | 3.8% |
| $50,000 | 3.0% |
| $60,000 | 2.5% |
| $75,000 | 2.0% |
| $100,000 | 1.5% |
| $150,000 | 1.0% |
| $200,000 | 0.8% |
Next Steps
The Clayton County Board of Education is expected to vote on the FY2026 Budget during a called meeting later this week or at its next regular meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025.