Residents of Jefferson Parish are set to cast their ballots on a new measure that could increase pay for local educators. The Jefferson Parish School Board voted yesterday to include a millage proposal in the December 7, 2024, election, aiming to provide raises for teachers and support staff, as reported by WGNO.
The proposed 10.89 mill property tax increase is estimated to cost the average homeowner, with a $250,000 home, including homestead exemption, less than $16 per month. Currently, teachers in Jefferson Parish are among the lowest paid in the region, and if the measure passes, they would receive an increase of $8,300 in their pay scale, effectively giving the district the highest starting teacher salary in the area, according to FOX 8 Live.
Dr. James Gray, JP Schools Superintendent, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "Strong teachers are the backbone of any successful school district, and investing in our educators directly impacts the quality of education our children receive," as noted by WGNO. The proposal includes a bump not just for certified teachers but also a $4,900 increase for non-certified teachers and a $2,000 hike for all other full-time staff.
The measure seeks to address the district's critical need to attract and retain quality educators by offering competitive salaries. "We are putting this critical measure before the voters so that the district can continue to recruit and retain quality educators, which helps all of us maintain a desired quality of life," School Board President Dr. Gerard LeBlanc mentioned in a statement echoed by WDSU.
