The Sulphur Springs school board held an emergency meeting Tuesday at noon, voting in a pay raise of all employees of the school district.
The special meeting was held to increase wages to all Sulphur Springs ISD to be more competitive with other districts its size in the area. It is hoped that the increase would secure current staff members who are pondering changing districts due to finances.
"SSISD's greatness, its strength, is in its people - all our wonderful staff members who take care of our children every day. It's a monumental yet wonderful challenge, and we love it. I'm thankful for our Board, Mr. Lamb, and their hearts for our folks. I'm thankful for the pay increases and hopeful for the positive effect they can have for our families and our community," said Josh Williams, SSISD Assistant Superintendent.
The increase will be the same for all teachers, nurses, librarians, counselors, law enforcement and test coordinators.
It was reported that administrators saw the need for the new compensation package which gives an increase from the top to bottom.
With the new rate would give teacher/nurse (RN) a starting salary of $46,000 ($245,99 daily rate) with no experience, the scale increases each year with a 30+ year teacher making $61,600 a daily rate of $329.41.
Teachers will advanced degree also get high salaries, $1,000 for Masters, $2,000 for doctorate.
The current packages, based on years served their salary would be an increase of $2,000 above this year's salary.
The 2022-2023 New Hire Educational Aide compensation schedule shows the starting pay with no experience for a Grade 1 aide at $17,579, the Grade 2 salary is $18,458. By year 10 the figures increase to $21,904.86 for Grade 1 salary with Grade 2 going to $23,000.10. By 30+ the Grade 1 salary is $30,563.80 and the Grade 2 salary is $32,092.09.
The full breakdown can be seen on the Sulphur Springs ISD website under employment.
The Sulphur Springs school board meeting Monday. They also meet May 16 at noon to swear in members.