ALIEF TSTA urges board to prioritize pay raises, stipend increases in public comment

Ronald Cots, president of the ALIEF Texas State Teachers Association, told the ALIEF ISD Board of Trustees on April 15 that the union lobbied state legislators in Austin for increased public school funding and employee pay. “On the morning of April 4, approximately 300 education professionals who were attending the TSTA House of Delegates descended upon the Capitol and lobbied for the benefit of public education,” Cots said.

Cots said 13 members of ALIEF TSTA lobbied on behalf of ALIEF ISD and listed state legislators they consulted. He said the group discussed the foundation school program, pay raises for all employees, teacher retention, vouchers, special education funding, safety funding, classroom discipline and student personal wireless device policies. “We addressed the foundation school program funding, pay raises for all employees, teacher retention, vouchers, special education funding, charge issues, safety funding, classroom discipline, and personal wireless communication devices used by students during the instructional day,” Cots said.

Cots urged the board to correct stipends that “have not been raised in over 18 years,” and to increase supplemental pay for activities and provide financial relief for paraprofessionals. He also called for retention bonuses for employees returning next school year and singled out crafts, trades, custodial staff, bus drivers and cafeteria workers. “All of our employees who return next school year deserve a retention bonus. It is imperative that you make it a priority and address these issues,” he said.

Cots closed by thanking the board for its work and offering a blessing: “Thank you, and may God bless you.”