On June 2, the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education approved Griffin-Spalding County School System’s (GSCS) operating budget totaling over $193 million for the 2025-26 school year. The vote on the budget passed 4-0 (Board Member Holmes was absent). The newly approved budget will go into effect as of July 1.
Some highlights of the final budget include:
· Pay step increases for all eligible staff
· Retention payments and longevity supplements for eligible staff
· An investment in intensive student behavior support
· An investment in school safety and security that includes adding personnel to every elementary school
· An investment in instructional resources
Of the FY26 general fund budget, 87 percent is allocated for salaries and benefits and 13 percent for supplies and supports. The budget accounts for a $3 million increase in state health benefits for school system employees this year.
GSCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren stated, “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each board member for their dedication to our students, staff and community throughout the budget process. This budget allows us to continue investing in our educators, support staff, and the programs that help our students thrive both academically and emotionally.”
Griffin-Spalding Board of Education Chairman R. Syntel Brown stated, “It is always rewarding when we are able to positively impact scholar outcomes through our resources. I am pleased that this operating budget supports scholars, employees and families in the areas of student achievement, family and community engagement, high-performing staff and organizational and operational efficiency.”
Public budget hearings were held April 1, April 22 and May 20, 2025.
