Overview
- Superintendent Mike Burke rejected a special magistrate’s 3.5% raise recommendation and offered a 1.5% recurring increase plus a one-time 1.5% bonus.
- The School Board scheduled the final impasse hearing for May 6 at 2 p.m., a time the teachers union says keeps many educators from attending.
- District officials cite a $66 million revenue gap tied to a loss of more than 7,000 students and warn a 3.5% raise would cost about 250 jobs and cut support programs.
- Union leaders point to $454 million in general revenue reserves and say at least $160 million could be used to support higher recurring pay.
- Teachers describe taking extra jobs to cover rising costs, noting an average base salary of about $62,000 and warning low raises will worsen retention.