EBR School System faces high teacher turnover and proposes compensation overhaul

The East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding teacher retention and compensation within the district. The meeting highlighted a comprehensive analysis of the current compensation system, revealing alarming attrition rates and the need for significant reforms.

The analysis presented indicated that EBR schools are struggling to retain teachers, with an average attrition rate of nearly 23% for all employees on the TE or TI pay scales, which include teachers, counselors, and specialists. Particularly concerning is the nearly 68% turnover rate for newly hired employees within their first five years. This high turnover not only disrupts educational continuity but also incurs substantial costs, estimated at $25,000 per teacher for large urban districts.

Key findings from the analysis pointed to severe compression in pay scales, where the average wage growth for teachers over a 20-year career is only 9%. The current pay structure, which relies on fixed dollar amounts for annual increases, fails to provide adequate compensation growth and does not reflect teachers' experience or performance. This has led to difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified staff, as prospective employees struggle to understand how their salaries will progress over time.

In response to these findings, the committee proposed several recommendations aimed at overhauling the compensation system. These include transitioning from fixed dollar increases to percentage-based raises, simplifying the number of pay scales, and implementing a dedicated annual review process for wages that considers cost of living and inflation.

Board members expressed their concerns about the implications of the current pay structure, emphasizing the need for aggressive action to ensure fair compensation for teachers. They acknowledged that without significant changes, the district would continue to face challenges in maintaining a stable and effective teaching workforce.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a proposed pay plan that aligns with best practices and addresses the pressing issues of teacher retention and compensation. The board aims to create a more sustainable and attractive environment for educators, ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their contributions to the community.