The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board has approved a one-time stipend for thousands of its employees, effectively doubling a payment already allocated by the state. The decision means certified teachers will receive a total of $4,000, while support staff will get $2,000, distributed in two payments before the end of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Certified teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish will receive a total stipend of $4,000.
- Support staff members are set to receive a total of $2,000.
- The payments will be made in two installments on October 28 and November 17.
- This local funding matches a separate payment provided by the state, doubling the total amount for employees.
- District officials describe the stipend as a temporary measure while they explore permanent salary increases.
School Board Approves Additional Pay for Educators
In a move to recognize the efforts of its employees, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board voted to provide significant one-time payments to its teaching and support staff. The decision provides local funds to match a previously announced state-level payment.
This combined funding results in a substantial financial boost for school employees. Certified teachers will receive a total of $4,000, and support personnel will receive a total of $2,000. The funds are scheduled to be paid out in two separate installments.
According to the approved plan, the first payment will be issued on October 28, with the second following on November 17. This timeline ensures staff will receive the full amount before the holiday season.
Educators Welcome Financial Recognition
The announcement was met with positive reactions from teachers and union representatives, who were present at the school board meeting. The decision was seen as a sign of appreciation from the district's leadership.
Angela Reams-Brown, President of the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers & School Employees, noted the element of surprise in the district's matching contribution. “They knew they were getting money from the state, but they were surprised to know they were getting money from the district as well,” she said.
“Teachers want to know that they are appreciated by the district, and one way to do that is to give them additional funding outside of their regular pay,” Brown added, highlighting the importance of such gestures in boosting morale.
The sentiment was shared by educators in attendance, who applauded the board's decision. The additional pay is considered a tangible acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication to students.
Stipend Payout Details
- Total for Certified Teachers: $4,000
- Total for Support Staff: $2,000
- First Payment Date: October 28
- Second Payment Date: November 17
Stipends a Temporary Step Amid Calls for Permanent Raises
While the stipends have been well-received, district officials and teacher advocates agree that they are a short-term solution. The broader conversation continues to focus on the need for permanent salary increases to attract and retain qualified educators.
Superintendent LaMont Cole acknowledged that the one-time payments are an interim step as the administration works toward more sustainable compensation plans. He expressed a desire to implement lasting changes to the salary structure.
“I wish we could do more, and I want to do more, and we are desperately working with our team to determine and identify where we can possibly do more,” Cole stated. “And when we do, we want to try to make that permanent over an extended period of time.”
The superintendent hopes the stipends will provide a morale boost for staff as the district continues to analyze its budget for opportunities to fund permanent raises.
Background on Teacher Salaries
The discussion around compensation is not new for the district. Last summer, officials raised the starting salary for new teachers to $50,000 per year. However, despite this increase, the district's starting pay still lags behind the Southern Regional Average, a key benchmark for competitive salaries in the education sector.
Looking Ahead at District Compensation
Educators like Kendrick Smith, a teacher at Glen Oaks Middle, remain hopeful that collaborative efforts will lead to long-term improvements. Smith believes that unified action is the key to progress on permanent salary adjustments.
“I mean, it’s going to take work, but once everybody comes together and gets on one accord, one page, it will start moving pretty fast,” Smith commented on the path toward higher base pay.
Superintendent Cole echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the district's commitment to its employees. He stated that the administration is focused on listening to teachers to better understand their needs and make their roles more manageable and effective.
“We look forward to continuing to support, listen to, and learn from our teachers to do better and do more,” Cole concluded. “And so we can make their jobs a little bit easier so they can be more effective for our students.” The district's next steps will involve a thorough budget evaluation to identify funds for permanent salary enhancements.