Public hearing reviews recommendations to increase Delaware educator pay
DELAWARE – “Our recommendations, as you will see today, address all employee groups in education,” one PECC member said.
Delaware lawmakers from the state’s house and senate education committees held a joint public hearing Thursday with a focus on increasing educator pay. Recommendations were heard by a committee tasked with finding the best ways to help in that effort. “We anticipate that when the Governor’s recommended budget comes out in just a few weeks that some of this will possibly be addressed,” one PECC member said.
That includes teachers, paraprofessionals, and even food service staff as the Delaware Public Education Compensation Committee looks to increase educator pay. The committee’s seven recommendations could cost the state upwards of $232 million.
Capital School District Superintendent Dr. Vilicia Cade supports those recommendations and told us that compensation is a big barrier when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent. “Our educators have choices, so compensation does come into play. It’s a part of the story, especially in an economy where gas prices are really high and people are looking for the best way to support their family,” Dr. Cade said. “Right now, we have seven vacancies in our custodial staff. I will tell you on any given day that if we have two or three bus drivers call out, the people in our transportation office who have CDL’s have to drive busses. ”
Those potential increases also come at time where the legislature anticipates tightening the belt as much of the surplus funds the state’s seen in recent years will be no more. That could potentially put a wrench in plans. “If that doesn’t match or fiscal ability to support it, I know that every consideration will be given to what is best for our students and our staff,” Dr. Cade said.
The committee’s most hefty recommendation is geared towards teachers and administrators. It involves a 2% and a flat rate increase of just over $1,800 to the base salary each year for four years, which will reach that target salary of $60,000 by Fiscal Year 2028. That recommendation has a price of over $212 million.
The Delaware State Education Association supports the recommendations. They told 47ABC that this will be a major step forward to retain our current educators while attracting out of state talent as well.
DSEA also looks forward to seeing these recommendations in the Governor’s budget.
To see a full breakdown of those recommendations, click here
