We have had several questions, especially from veteran teachers, about how HB 296, the now thrice-revised career ladder teacher pay bill, will impact their salaries.
It is important to remember that just as with the existing law, HB 296 represents a salary-allocation model to districts. All decisions about how those funds will be used at the local level are completely dependent upon the negotiated agreement between the local association and the school board.
In every instance and at every level, school districts will receive additional salary allocation dollars for individual teachers each year of the five-year implementation of HB 296. In some cases, those salary allocation increases will be more significant than in others.
To illustrate, let’s look at the following example…
Under the current funding formula, a school district receives $40,568 for a 13-year veteran teacher with a BA +48 credits. Under HB 296, that same school district would receive the following increases each year for that teacher:
2015: Currently the school district is receiving $40,568 for the teacher
2016: 3.7% increase + $400 for the 24 credits above a BA the teacher has earned
2017: 5.7% increase + $800 for the 24 credits above a BA the teacher has earned
2018: 6.6% increase + $1,200 for the 24 credits above a BA the teacher has earned
2019: 3.3% increase + $1,600 for the 24 credits above a BA the teacher has earned
2020: 1.9% increase + $2,000 for the 24 credits above a BA the teacher has earned
If that same teacher holds a Master’s Degree, the district would receive:
2015: Currently the school district is receiving $40,568 for the teacher
2016: 3.7% increase + $700 for the Master’s Degree
2017: 5.7% increase + $1,400 for the Master’s Degree
2018: 6.6% increase + $2,100 for the Master’s Degree
2019: 3.3% increase + $2,800 for the Master’s Degree
2020: 1.9% increase + $3,500 for the Master’s Degree
Beginning in 2016, individual teachers who perform leadership duties, which are determined at the local school district level, will also be eligible to receive a Leadership Premium of not less than $850.
Beginning in 2019, individual teachers—or groups of teachers—who meet the criteria developed by their local school district and approved by the State Board of Education will also be eligible for a $4,000 Master Teacher Premium for each year that they meet the eligibility requirements.
The House Education Committee will debate HB 296 on Friday morning. With the additional changes, the bill is expected to easily gain committee approval.
IEA worked closely with lawmakers to ensure that the final version of the bill included significant changes to address the concerns raised by teachers. HB 296 addresses every single issue raised by the IEA. It most certainly is not a perfect piece of legislation; there are still tweaks that will likely have to be addressed in the five years it will take to completely implement the law. However, HB 296 is a much, much improved bill.
HB 296 will ensure that teachers’ voices will be a part of the decision-making process, that teachers will not be held accountable for those things that are out of their control, and that lawmakers will do their part to ensure the funding that is promised in this legislation over the next five years will be forthcoming: all extremely important issues for teachers.
