Columbia Board of Education hopes to increase wages for every employee
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia Board of Education met on Wednesday to hold its public hearing for its 2022-2023 budget. The Board of Education authorized nearly $7.08 million to increase current employee salaries.
If passed the increased pay will be for all employees.
Proposed pay increase includes
- Teachers - $1,200 base pay increase
- Coaches and Trainers - $1,250 base pay increase
- Counselors and Social Workers - $1,000 base pay increase
- Nurses - $700 base pay increase
- Therapists - $900 base pay increase
- Custodians - $1.15 per hour increase
Heather McArthur, Chief Financial Officer for the Columbia Public Schools, and she said that 80% of the budget will be allocated toward staff salaries.
McArthur said the goal of this budget is to retain and recruit quality staff members. "We are working towards increases for our employees so that we can show commitment to our employees."
McArthur said it's important to increase the pay for teachers because "those are the people that are on the ground, in the boots, and in the classrooms every day."
As the teacher shortage continues, CPS is hoping that increasing the base pay for new teachers will encourage them to start their careers in the Columbia School District.
McArthur said, "We want to try and continue to get the best of the best, in our classrooms, and so we want to make sure that our beginning wages are competitive."
