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Board approves differential-pay plan using state funds to recruit and retain teachers in high-need schools
Summary
The board voted unanimously to adopt a proposal for distributing state differential-pay dollars: stipends for highly effective teachers, a 'go-and-grow' transfer incentive for current teachers, and semester stipends tied to Student Learning Targets (SLTs). The plan includes 27 initial teacher spots and procedures for a transfer portal.
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board unanimously approved a plan Jan. 7 to spend the state's differential-pay allocation on multiple retention and recruitment strategies for teachers in high-need schools.
District staff presented how last year's differential-pay funds were used (194 highly effective teachers received an extra $1,000 each, stipends for certified new-to-district teachers at qualifying schools, and resident-teacher incentives). For the current funding cycle, Dr. Purcell (academic staff) outlined a new proposal, described as a "go and grow" plan: a $10,000 stipend paid over two years for current district teachers who transfer to designated high-need schools (initially 9 schools with three spots each, for 27 spots total) and semester payments tied to SLT outcomes. Under the proposal, principals would vet candidates and staffing meetings would consider certification and school needs; if fewer than 27 current-teacher transfers occur, remaining spots would open to certified new-to-district teachers.
The plan also provides stipend opportunities for highly effective teachers who take on leadership/modeling roles inside their schools and for teachers who lead PLCs or provide peer support; those stipends would be paid per semester. Board members asked whether the district could continue locally funded stipends if state money stops; staff said the prior program funding has ended and any continuation would require local budget action.
Motion and vote: a motion to approve the differential-pay proposal was made by Miss Piazza and seconded by Miss Vidyard; voting was recorded as unanimous. The motion authorizes staff to implement the distribution plan subject to program rules and eligibility criteria described in the presentation.
