I Support a 8% Raise to Retain Our Educators
Spring ISD School Board and Superintendent
85% of SPRING ISD staff surveyed said they had considered leaving public education in the past year.
When we further inquired about retention and what would increase their likelihood of staying, over 57% said pay raises as their first option. The second most selected option was to have a more reasonable workload.
As a recent Texas AFT report showed:
- Salaries of Texas public school teachers have fallen by an average of 4% over the past 11 years when adjusted for inflation.
- Public school teachers in Texas make an average of $7,449 less than the national average teacher salary.
- Salaries for school support staff in Texas may have risen slightly, but many roles — including paraprofessionals and food service workers — remain close to poverty-level wages.
- Professionals in Texas with college degrees similar to teachers made 21.9% more in wages.
Our educators shouldn't have to work multiple jobs. They should be able to raise families and live a decent life.
Spring ISD employees have shown their commitment to our students and our district throughout the COVID 19 Pandemic and as we attempt to get back to some kind of normalcy; it's time for the district to show support and respect for their employees! Our educators are shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and they should be able to support and spend quality time with their families as well!
Sign our petition of support for teachers and other district staff, and ask the School Board and superintendent to provide the following:
- Pass a 4% pay raise in the fall and another 4% in the spring, equaling 8% for the 2022-23 school year.
- Provide a starting salary of at least $15, with increases based on years of experience for all hourly employees.
- Ensure that teachers receive their 450-minutes of planning time without interruption, adding more time and extra days for planning.
- Provide reasonable workloads that support employees to have a healthy work-life balance.
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To:
Spring ISD School Board and Superintendent
From:
[Your Name]
85% of SPRING ISD staff surveyed by Spring AFT said they had considered leaving public education in the past year. When Spring AFT further inquired about retention and what would increase their likelihood of staying, over 57% said pay raises as their first option. The second most selected option was to have a more reasonable workload.
The past year has been extremely challenging and we know that an 8% pay increase (4% pay raise in the fall and another 4% pay raise in the spring, equaling 8% for the 2022-23 school year) for all teachers and staff is the necessary next step in providing a great education for the students in our community.
As a recent Texas AFT report showed:
* Salaries of Texas public school teachers have fallen by an average of 4% over the past 11 years when adjusted for inflation.
* Professionals in Texas with college degrees similar to teachers made 21.9% more in wages.
An 8% pay raise doesn't only improve a student's experience in the classroom but also makes a tangible difference in our community. This pay raise will help with adjustments to a rising cost of living in our area, help folks provide for their families, and keep workers in the profession. While we are thankful for the recent retention bonus, we need sustainable, long-term pay increases that will have a lasting impact.
This is an urgent moment to do more in retaining and developing the best team for Spring ISD. We, the undersigned, are in support of the following:
* Pass a 4% pay raise in the fall and another 4% in the spring, equaling 8% for the 2022-23 school year.
* Provide a starting salary of at least $15, with increases based on years of experience for all hourly employees.
* Ensure that teachers receive their 450-minutes of planning time without interruption, adding more time and extra days for planning.
* Provide reasonable workloads that support employees to have a healthy work-life balance.