EBR Board reviews teacher pay scale and plans comprehensive salary overhaul

The East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board convened on March 13, 2025, for a Committee of the Whole meeting, focusing primarily on the urgent need to review and potentially overhaul the district's teacher pay scale. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of retaining high-performing teachers and the current inadequacies in the existing salary structure.

Board members expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive system for evaluating teacher performance and how it impacts salary increases. Vice President Stewart highlighted that the pay scale had not been reviewed since before February 2025, emphasizing the necessity of addressing staff shortages and improving retention through competitive compensation. He noted that existing faculty could serve as advocates for attracting new teachers, underscoring the importance of a well-structured pay system.

Board member Beaulieu raised the issue of attracting quality teachers to underperforming schools, suggesting that the next steps should include a thorough re-evaluation of the current salary ranges. The board acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to redesigning the pay structure, which would also consider inflation and cost of living adjustments separately from merit-based increases.

Further discussions revealed that the district currently operates with 47 different salary schedules, complicating the compensation landscape. Board members pointed out that the existing salary increases have not kept pace with inflation, leading to dissatisfaction among teachers. They noted that many teachers leave the district within the first few years due to inadequate pay progression.

The board agreed on the necessity of issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a full salary review, aiming to create a more equitable and competitive compensation package. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward improving teacher retention and overall educational quality in the district.

In addition to the salary discussions, the meeting also addressed the potential use of the Broadmoor Middle Site for eSports and athletic facilities. Superintendent Cohen shared insights into the challenges faced in previous proposals and expressed optimism about the future development of the site, which has been part of the district's tax plan since 2018.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from board members to prioritize the review of the salary structure and to explore innovative compensation strategies that would enhance the district's ability to attract and retain quality educators. The board looks forward to further discussions and actions in upcoming meetings to ensure that the compensation packages are competitive and appealing to current and prospective staff.