On Tuesday, June 20, the Riverwalk Academy School Board moved to approve the administration’s 2023-2024 General Fund Budget. This budget includes two exciting highlights, which includes paid parental leave and a $2,500 raise for all certified teachers.
“I am happy to be part of a board that appreciates our educators and is dedicated to ensuring that they are recognized and retained. This allows Riverwalk to continue to provide our students with the highest quality education in our community. I am proud of the commitment of this administration and this school board to our awesome educators.” Board Chair Mike Riddle said.
The FY 24 budget is balanced, as required by State regulations, and reflects revenue and expenditures totaling $7,513,342. A major focus of the Riverwalk Academy FY 24 budget is to increase salaries for its certified staff to address inflation and remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the best educators in the area.
As part of the budget, adopting a Paid Parental Leave policy was approved for staff. This includes up to six weeks of paid parental leave for staff at Riverwalk Academy. Although charter schools in South Carolina are not required to provide paid parental leave, the Board and Administration felt that it was the correct thing to do for our staff.
Additionally, as part of the approved FY 24 budget, was a salary increase of $2,500 for certified teachers. This allocation of funds now brings the starting salary for our certified teachers to over $47,000.
Head of School, Dr. Compton said, “The Riverwalk Academy Board and the administration share the commitment to recruiting and retaining the best possible educators to teach our students every day. This budget reflects that commitment, and I couldn’t be any more proud.”