JFAC Backs 1% Teacher Pay Increase

Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, arguing for her motion to give teachers a 1.5 percent base pay increase next year instead of 1 percent, noted that teachers have lost thousands in pay due to budget cuts during the economic downturn, and not all teachers will benefit from leadership bonuses. “All the teachers have felt the bite of those changes – every single one of them,” she said. “There’s not a huge difference in numbers between my motion and the main motion, but I think it speaks volumes in values.” Ringo’s motion drew just four “yes” votes, from her, Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, and Sens. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow; and Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston. The original motion, for the 1 percent increase, then passed on a 15-5 vote/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here .

Question: Should teachers feel lucky that they’re likely to get a 1% pay increase?