Teacher Pay Raise

A bill that would increase pay for public school teachers has died.

Those events a bill that would increase pay for public school teachers has died.

Senate bill 20-01 would give a raise of more than 1- thousand dollars over the next three years for starting salaries.

And 1-thousand would be given to teachers thereafter.

Our stephanie poole joins us live in studio with more// that's right scott.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, lawmakers are concerned about the state's budget.

I spoke with a few educators who tell me, they're not too happy.

"as a school teacher,i've been in education for 26 years and it still amazes me how our legislators don't feel like we're worthy.

We have been here time and time again but the results seem to stay the same."

Amory middle school teacher, julia foster is saddened after learning she won't be getting a pay increase this year.

After months of waiting, foster and other educators are now in a place of uncertainty.

"summertime is usually a time for us to rejuvenate, reevaluate, and reset trying to get ready for the upcoming school year, but with the way things ended,so many things are up in the air."

Lowndes county school district superintendent, sam allison says this decision could affect school budgets too.

" we're looking at 10-percent budget cuts, we're hoping that's not the case but kind of what we've been told that we could possibly expect.

I know right now they're working on that budget process to give us those numbers."

Allison and foster are concerned if the average salary for mississippi teachers will be enough to 'keep' them here.

"we're just not a 7 to 3 job,we take papers home, we bring students home.

We already know we're facing a teacher shortage and it's because they can go across state lines to alabama, to georgia, to tennessee and get more pay.

" butt sots " as the economy continues to grow, i don't know if that'll be next year or the year after next, but i believe the focus of teacher pay will come back to that."

And with recent changes,allison hopes he knows how appreciated his team is.

" i think with teachers they're a special group.

I'm sure they would've loved the increase but many of them are so dedicated and so i think they're understanding and they're going to do such a great job either way."

Allison says his administration will continue to follow teacher pay developments at the state capitol.