Guest Commentary | Put the money in the classroom
Are those overseeing the LCSD 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.
Starting Salary for Instructional Staff
• Base Salary (estimated): $50,500.00
• Master’s Degree: +$2,531.25 per year
• Specialist Degree: +$4,050.00 per year
• Doctorate Degree: +$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: $4,000.00
• Social Security Contribution: $3,863.25 (7.65%)
• Estimated Total Compensation & Benefits: $74,429.70
The Bigger Picture
$74,400 x 7 board members = $520,800
• If reduced by half due to reduced responsibilities, that’s a $260,400 savings-enough to fund:
— 3.5 teachers OR
— 5-6 paraprofessionals (classroom aides) OR
— 8 + 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
Gwynetta Gittens is a former member of the Lee County School Board.