CAIRO — The Grady County Schools board gave final approval for the fiscal year 2022 budget on Thursday morning.

The budget year runs from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

The board also approved reducing the millage to 13.5 from 13.6.

Since property values went up in Grady County, the schools should still net an increase of $35,805.

The total estimated expenditures in the budget are $46.5 million. Estimated revenues are $45.8 million.

• The board approved the hiring of 20 teachers, full-time and part-time, parapros and the rehiring of Tilda Brimm as a part-time assistant superintendent.

Five food service assistants have resigned as did a parapro and a bus driver.

• The school system is still five bus drivers short. Teachers and coaches are being used to fill in.

• The board approved spending $403,000 to build a restroom facility at West Thomas Stadium. Barber Contracting Company of Moultrie will do the work. It is expected to be ready for the 2022 season.

• The board also approved applying for a grant of $944,554 to be used toward the construction of a new gymnasium at Shiver Elementary. Money from the current budget ($71,095) as well as $715,951 in SPLOST funds will pay for the remainder of the $1.7 million project.

Kevin Price can be reached at 229-226-2400, ext. 1820