During a recent government meeting, educators raised concerns regarding their compensation in light of additional hours worked and comparisons with other staff roles. One educator highlighted that teachers are expected to work approximately 135 extra hours during the school year, which translates to an estimated pay difference of over $4,000 when considering the proposed salary increase.

The educator emphasized that while the raise appears beneficial, a significant portion would effectively compensate for the extra hours already worked. This perspective prompted questions about the overall fairness of the pay structure.

Additionally, the discussion included a comparison between teacher salaries and those of secretaries within the same district. The educator pointed out that a 10-month secretary, who works similar hours but does not require a degree, can earn a maximum salary of $46,647. In contrast, a teacher at step 7 without a degree earns a maximum of $26,471, highlighting a disparity of over $20,000.

This dialogue underscores ongoing concerns about equitable compensation for educators, particularly in relation to their workload and qualifications compared to other district employees. The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of salary structures to address these disparities.