STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Concerns about teacher pay surfaced during the recent Caverna Independent Schools Board of Education meeting.
Middle school teacher Terry Thorpe addressed the board during public comment, sharing the results of an anonymous survey she conducted among school staff. The poll revealed that 80 percent of the 52 respondents — roughly 42 people — said they hold a second job outside of the school, while 84 percent said their salaries were not reasonable for the workload and 98 percent of respondents said a salary increase is necessary at this time.
“I have a job outside of this school and I’ve got three girls in college, that’s something you can’t really prepare for,” Thorpe explained. “I hope you take this poll into consideration.”
Along with the poll results, Thorpe provided documents outlining a set of compensation priorities aimed at improving teacher recruitment, retention and recognition of professional expertise.
The first calls for a minimum 3 percent salary increase for all certified teachers, in line with the raise given last year, along with reinstating and extending the district’s step pay structure up to 30 years of service. According to the document, competitive salaries are necessary to retain experienced educators, attract new applicants and acknowledge the increasing responsibilities placed on teachers. Extending the step system, it states, would reward long-term dedication and promote stability within the district.
Financial projections shared with the board by Finance Director Lisa Austin estimate that a 3 percent salary increase for certified staff would cost roughly $306,000 annually. Additional projections show extending step increases through 30 years of service could add between roughly $170,000 and $320,000 depending on the percentage increase implemented.
The second priority focuses on stipends for teachers who provide dual credit courses. The proposal asks the district to establish or increase stipends for those instructors, noting that dual credit teachers must meet additional credentialing requirements and complete extra planning and coordination with colleges and universities to allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.
The document estimates a dual credit stipend program at approximately $250 per course per semester, totaling about $5,200 annually.
The third request calls for stipends for certified staff who have earned doctoral degrees. According to the document, Caverna currently employs several staff members with advanced degrees, and a stipend program recognizing that level of training could cost roughly $18,000 annually.
Austin’s report also outlined possible revenue considerations tied to local property tax assessments and the eventual expiration of tax incentives for local industries. Once those incentives expire, companies such as T. Marzetti and Sister Schubert’s could add more than $1.4 million in assessed value annually to the tax base.
The board has not taken action on pay raises yet but is expected to begin discussing the matter soon.
Board members also approved two positions during the meeting.
The first was a new assistant principal role at the elementary school, which will come with a $3,000 stipend and 10 extended days. The new assistant principal will begin next school year.
“We are looking for a dynamic individual that will put the kids first and embody the core values of a Colonel,” Superintendent Amanda Abell said.
The second position relates to the district’s MSD program, which serves students with special needs. The role, originally planned for next school year, was expedited after Abell said an incoming student would require an additional instructional assistant to keep the classroom within staffing ratios.
“We’re going to need to create that position to start immediately,” Abell said. “Or that classroom will be over cap.”
The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 9 at 5 p.m.
Key Facts:
• Caverna teacher Terry Thorpe presented an anonymous staff pay survey to the board
• 80% of 52 respondents said they work a second job
• 84% said their salaries are not reasonable for their workload
• 98% said a salary increase is necessary at this time
• Thorpe shared priorities including at least a 3% raise and extended step pay to 30 years
• Additional requests include stipends for dual credit teachers and staff with doctorates
• Board approved a new elementary assistant principal position for next school year
• Board also approved an MSD instructional assistant position for special needs students
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
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