Impact of a pay raise

The budget in our district is used primarily for payroll.  It takes a lot of personnel to run a district.  With the staff we have, we are still working hard to raise our accountability rating from academically acceptable to recognized or exemplary.  A pay raise could attract more highly qualified teachers and staff.  A pay raise would be great in theory for everyone. Staff members would have more disposable income, but additional income should not have to be at the expense of other people’s jobs.  A loss of jobs reminds me of the old adage, “The good must suffer with the bad.”   Teachers, both effective and ineffective, may lose their jobs, or if inadequate teachers are eliminated, the quality teachers that remain must take on more responsibilities trying to fill in for the positions that have been lost. Any loss of staff means that a 5% raise is not in the best interest of students in the district.  The only alternative to job loss is an increase in property taxes.  An increase in taxes would meet with tremendous resistance from homeowners and people in the community.  The current budget as it stands, ensures fewer teacher layoffs, a greater number of effective teachers in every classroom, and ultimately, greater student success.