JACKSON, Miss.–Though it is not yet law, teachers will get a raise, beginning this year. The Mississippi House and Senate both signed a conference report Monday evening, agreeing on a raise plan that was expected to be passed by both chambers and then go on to the governor for his signature.
Here are the details, per a news release from the House:
· $1,500 starting July 1, 2014.
· $1,000 starting July 1, 2015.
Plus: A merit-based pay system for teachers in the third year for “A” and “B” schools or any school that improves one letter grade in a year. The legislature will develop a pay plan for high-performing teachers in “C”, “D” and “F” schools by the third year. Money must be spent on teacher salaries and cannot go toward equipment.
“As I stated the before Session started, House Republicans wanted to give teachers a pay raise,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “It has taken a lot of hard work, but I am proud to say we have accomplished our goal.”
“We have gone back and forth with the Senate,” said Gunn. “They were unwilling to go beyond $2,500 over two years, but they did agree that all pay raise dollars go into the teachers’ pockets and not be used for other expenditures. The House Republicans have fought hard to ensure hard-working teachers get a pay raise over the next two years. I want to thank House Education Chairman John Moore for leading the effort on this pay raise. I also want to thank Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison and the entire Senate for working with us.”
Here are Gov. Bryant’s comments from Monday:
