Metro Nashville School Board Superintended, Dr. Shawn Joseph, presented his $902.8 million proposed budget to the school board.
Joseph presented the budget during Tuesday night's board work session. He spoke for about 40 minutes, and several board members asked questions following the presentation.
His requested an additional $59.5 million more than this year's budget for what he described as five areas of focus -raising the bar for all students, creating opportunities after high school, serving the diverse needs of students, investing in excellent people and reinventing middle schools.
Half of the money will be spent on employees, and half on strategic programs.
Some of the reasons for the increase included at least a 3 percent pay raise for all employees, more money to cover charter school enrollment growth, and expanded programs and staff.
Under Dr. Jospeh's budget, Metro would add more than 150 new positions, many of them to help with literacy initiatives as well as gifted education.
There will also be more money to address needs of economically disadvantaged students.
Dr. Joseph said the goal is to improve student performance, and address the needs of all students.
The Metro School Board will vote on the proposed budget at the Apr. 11 meeting. Mayor Megan Barry and the Metro Council have the final say on approving the budget.
