Guest commentary: Put the money in school district classrooms
Are those overseeing the School District of Lee County’s budget missing a key line item? Let’s take a closer look.
School board members earn the same salary as a starting teacher and receive the same benefits.
The starting salaries for instructional staff:
– Base salary (estimated): $50,500
– Master’s degree: Add $2,531.25 per year
– Specialist degree: Add $4,050 per year
– Doctorate degree: Add $5,062.50 per year
Board-paid benefits (the board gets these too):
– Florida Retirement System: $6,852.85 (13.5%)
– Health/life insurance: $9,213.60 ($33.84 per paycheck)
– Dependent care insurance: $4,000
– Social Security contribution: $3,863.25 (7.65%)
– Estimated total compensation and benefits: $74,429.70
THE BIGGER PICTURE
$74,400 multiplied by seven board members equals $520,800.
If reduced by half due to reduced responsibilities, that’s a $260,400 savings-enough to fund:
– Three and a half teachers or
– Five to six paraprofessionals (classroom aides) or
– Eight-plus bus drivers
WHY REDUCE COMPENSATION?
With fewer responsibilities, should the board receive the same pay increase as teachers, whose workload and responsibility continue to grow? Consider the following:
– One action meeting, workshop and briefing per month
– One less employee to oversee (the superintendent)
– Less decision-making since the elected superintendent has more autonomy
– Fewer school visits, as reporting is only required at the monthly meeting
A conservative approach could mean more money for schools and students. What do you think? Don’t tell me, contact your elected officials:
General Board Office Correspondence
BoardOffice@leeschools.net
Superintendent@leeschools.net
Gwynetta Gittens is a former member of the Lee County School Board.