Absent from Governor Otter’s public schools budget was any mention of salary increases for educators. In fact, his budget states, “the Governor does not recommend salary improvements for FY 15.” The IEA is not alone in criticizing the governor’s recommendation. In his otherwise glowing critique of the governor’s speech and education recommendations, Superintendent Tom Luna panned the governor’s neglect of teacher compensation.
The AP reported earlier today that when Governor Otter’s budget advisor met with members of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) earlier today, he defended the governor’s decision. He told lawmakers that increasing teacher pay remains a priority for Governor Otter, but, “We’re just not prepared to bite off on that in 2015.”
