JACKSON APPROVES PAY INCREASE FOR TEACHERS

JACKSON, Mo. -- Teachers in the Jackson school district can expect an overall 3.5 percent salary increase for the coming year.

The increase in the district's salary schedule was considered Tuesday at the Board of Education meeting. Coaching staff and support staff salary schedules also received a 3 percent increase.

The change in the schedule actually increases the beginning rate for teachers but reduces the amount between steps on the schedule, said Dr. Ron Anderson, superintendent of schools.

"It gives them a higher base salary comparable to area schools," he said.

There were improvements throughout the schedule, with an additional step added at the high end of the scale to reflect pay for more experienced teachers.

"They're starting from a higher rung on the ladder," Anderson said. "But the distance is closer" between steps.

The salary plan was approved by a committee of district teachers before getting approval from board members.

As with other salary schedule increases, the district also approved additional funds for the extra-duty schedule. Teachers are compensated for sponsoring clubs and helping with extra-curricular activities. Areas on that salary schedule that hadn't been revised in recent years were increased. "Basically we followed the 3-percent rule," Anderson said.

Additional money was added to the district's budget to pay for more food service equipment and band instruments. The high school is adding a third line and more choices for students, which amounted to more equipment, Anderson said.

The overall cost was about $13,000.

Adding band instruments meant an additional $10,000 in the school district's budget. Teachers and students in the instrumental band program made a presentation at the beginning of the board's meeting, listing upcoming fall activities and competitions.

The district is also applying for a $50,000 grant to help improve reading skills in primary grades, Anderson said. There will be a $10,000 match that the district must meet if the grant is awarded. The decision on grant approval should come by late August or early September.

The board also voted to cancel its July 25 meeting and moved the date of the August meeting from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10.