The proposed 2023/2024 budget for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) includes pay increases for school administrators, universal free lunch for students, and increased funding for classroom associates to address problems with the district substitute teacher system.
Those additions were made possible by nearly $100 million in new operating spending for public education announced by Mayor John Cooper earlier this month and approved by the Board of Education Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday.
Mayor Cooper’s proposal still needs approval from Metro Council, but Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle says the proposal will be impactful.
“We are so fortunate to be presenting to the board a budget that represents significant investments,” said Dr. Battle. “The budget proposal before you today will keep our district moving forward in a way that is innovative and effective in keeping us to be the premier large school district in Tennessee and beyond.”
Under the proposed budget, in-school administrators including principals and associate principals, would see a pay raise and MNPS would spend $8 million to ensure every student has access to a free lunch.
The district would also invest $10.8 million to address problems with the substitute teacher system by fully expanding the Classroom Associates pilot program. The program provides full-time substitute teachers to schools.
“I like the idea of the school-based sub. I think it’s important to have somebody who’s knowledgeable, not only about just the way the school works and the culture of it, but also knows the kids by name and can recognize them in the halls. That’s important. I do like having school-based subs, I do like that we’re investing in them,” said board member Abigail Taylor.
The district is working to transition more of its traditional “day-to-day” substitutes into the permanent general school assistant position.
“Part of this is investing in a strategy that hopefully will close the gaps we have and springboards into additional success as we’re thinking about the academic and social emotional outcomes for our students,” said Dr. Battle. “It’s important for us to invest in those key strategies that will help us move the needle and accelerate the way we need to.”
The MNPS Budget & Finance Committee will revisit this budget in June after the Metro Council has passed the city budget.
This mayor’s budget proposal also includes capitol improvement projects district-wide, including a one-time allocation of $66 million for Pre-K space additions, building additions for the overcrowded Alex Green Elementary, and transition expenses for fifth grade in the Glencliff, Cane Ridge, and Antioch schools.
