Broward Teachers, Other District Employees Get 3% Raises
Unified Decision Reflects Appreciation for Hard Work and Dedication
Broward teachers and other school district employees will receive an average 3% raise for the current school year, following a School Board vote with little discussion on Tuesday. The decision is a stark contrast to last year’s contentious negotiations, which led to teacher protests, friction on the board, and a state-ordered investigation.
Salary Increases
The starting salary for a new teacher is now $51,402, up from $50,266 last year. The highest paid teachers will earn a base salary of $88,580, up from $86,209 last year. Teachers hired before 2011 who are on a grandfathered salary plan will receive increases of about 2.8%. Those on a pay-for-performance plan with a highly effective evaluation will get a 3.45% raise, while those with an effective rating will receive a 2.59% increase.
No Stipends or Bonuses Included
The salaries do not include stipends from a 2022 referendum, which range from $500 to $12,000, nor do they include extra money teachers can earn for advanced degrees and coaching or sponsoring student clubs. The recurring raises, which are the result of recent bargaining with the Broward Teachers Union, will be retroactive to July 1.
Other Employee Groups to Receive 3% Increases
The School Board also approved 3% increases for principals, assistant principals, and district-level employees. Other employee groups are expected to receive similar raises later this month after the School Board votes on them at an upcoming meeting, officials said.
Quotes
“I think this unified decision reflects our deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said School Board Chairwoman Debbi Hixon. “Today’s School Board approval represents a significant investment of more than $31 million in employee compensation, a testament to our commitment to valuing their contributions.”
“Teachers show up, they stay extra, they work extra. They want to do extra,” said Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union. “It’s because of the educators, because of our administrators, because of all the support staff in our public schools that we had made it to an A. And we are committed to keeping the A.”
Background and Context
The easy approval was a stark contrast to last year, when contentious negotiations for teacher raises led to teacher protests, friction on the board, and a state-ordered investigation. At that time, board members faced lawsuits by many charter schools who alleged they had been shortchanged out of funding from a 2018 referendum. Board members didn’t know at the time how much that settlement would end up costing the district. The final agreement was about $120 million to be paid over three years.
Conclusion
The new raises demonstrate the district’s commitment to valuing the hard work and dedication of its employees. The decision is a testament to the district’s recognition of the importance of its educators in achieving its first A-grade from the state since 2011.
FAQs
* What is the average 3% raise for Broward teachers and other district employees?
The raise will be retroactive to July 1 and will apply to all eligible employees.
* What are the new starting and highest paid teacher salaries?
The starting salary for a new teacher is now $51,402, up from $50,266 last year. The highest paid teachers will earn a base salary of $88,580, up from $86,209 last year.
* What are the salary increases for teachers on different pay plans?
Teachers hired before 2011 who are on a grandfathered salary plan will receive increases of about 2.8%. Those on a pay-for-performance plan with a highly effective evaluation will get a 3.45% raise, while those with an effective rating will receive a 2.59% increase.
