In a recent government meeting, officials announced a significant pay increase for teachers and staff within the district, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to enhance compensation. The approved measures include a 5% increase to the certified teacher pay scale, translating to an additional $2,510 for educators. Non-certified teachers will see a $2,000 increase, while all other pay scales will receive a $500 bump in starting pay. Notably, these raises are permanent and self-funded, primarily through budget consolidation efforts.

Coaches will also benefit from an approximate 9% increase to their base pay, alongside an adjustment in their step scale from step 5 to step 10. Additionally, the stipend for the technology coordinator will rise from $650 to $1,000 per year.

Board members expressed their commitment to improving teacher compensation, emphasizing that these increases are part of a broader strategy to attract and retain quality educators in the district. The funding for these raises comes from the district's own budget management, rather than state allocations, which officials believe will enhance their competitive edge against neighboring districts.

This announcement follows a previous commitment to a $31 million retention stipend for teachers, showcasing the board's ongoing dedication to supporting educational staff. As the district awaits further financial details from the Louisiana Department of Education regarding state-approved stipends, officials remain optimistic about the future of teacher compensation and the overall growth of the school system.