Weakley Co. Schools hope to increase teacher salaries

The Weakley County School District hopes to ensure competitive compensation for its teachers. During the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee meeting on May 30, 2024, the County Commission discussed a budget amendment aimed at increasing teacher salaries.

Budget Amendment Details

The school board has requested an additional $212,000 to the General Purpose School fund for FY 2024-25, which begins July 1. This amendment was necessary to adjust the salary schedule, ensuring that teachers with 25 years of experience and a master’s degree receive at least a 3% salary increase. Teachers with ten years of experience or less will receive slightly higher raises to address pay disparities and meet a long-term goal by 2026.

Weakley County School’s Director Jeff Cupples, speaking on behalf of the district, highlighted the importance of these adjustments. “We’re stacking the front end to meet our goal by 2026,” Cupples explained. “Teachers with less than ten years of experience will see more significant increases, ensuring our salary schedule remains competitive and equitable.”

Enrollment and Staffing Concerns

A major concern discussed during the meeting was the potential impact of voucher programs on enrollment numbers, which currently stand at 4,088 students. If enrollment decreases, the district may face challenges justifying the same number of teachers. Cupples stressed the necessity of maintaining staffing levels, particularly in special education, to meet compliance standards.

Despite exceeding state-recommended staffing levels, Cupples emphasized that these positions are crucial for maintaining educational quality. “We’ve been above the state-recommended numbers since the beginning of time because that’s what it takes,” he noted.

Insurance and Competitive Salaries

The district is also grappling with increased insurance costs, which have risen by nearly $600,000, adding to the budget strain. Cupples pointed out that neighboring counties, such as Dyer County and Union City, are offering higher salaries and signing bonuses, posing a threat to Weakley County’s ability to retain its teachers.

“Our neighboring counties are outpacing us with salary increases,” Cupples stated. “We need a sustainable plan to stay competitive, especially since grant money used to balance the current budget will not be available next fiscal year.”

Governor’s Funding Restrictions

New funding from the governor is restricted to raising salaries for teachers earning below $50,000, providing no support for non-certified staff. This restriction adds another layer of complexity to the district's budget management.

Community and Long-term Planning

Throughout the meeting, the importance of community support for education was a recurring theme. Balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in education is a delicate task. Cupples and committee members recognized the dual challenge of avoiding tax increases while ensuring sufficient funding for education.

“We don’t want to raise taxes, but we also don’t want to jeopardize the quality of our education system,” Cupples acknowledged. “We need a long-term plan for competitive salaries to keep our district moving forward.”

The approved salary increases mark a significant step towards addressing these challenges, reflecting the district's dedication to its educators and students. As the Weakley County School District moves forward, it remains committed to maintaining and improving educational standards while navigating financial constraints.