Memphis-Shelby County Schools to make major investment in teacher salaries
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The Memphis-Shelby County School Board unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday night to spend an additional $28 million increasing teacher salaries.
The historic investment will raise the average teacher with a bachelor’s degree’s salary by more than $4,800 in the 20224/2025 school year. Teachers with a master’s degree will average nearly $4,800 more, education specialists will see more than $6,300 more, and those with a doctorate will average more than a $9,900 increase.
“Our teachers are a precious resource. They are worth every penny, and I am so pleased that we can enter the 2024-25 school year on great footing with this competitive compensation package,” said Board Chair Althea Greene.
The $28 million agreement followed negotiations last month involving district leadership and union leaders with the United Education Association of Shelby County and the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association.
With this latest investment, MSCS has invested $67.1 million in teacher compensation total for the last two fiscal years.
The agreement also includes a commitment to add additional pay increases for its longest-serving teachers. Those with 25 to 34 years of experience will receive an additional $3,000 to their base pay, while teachers with 35 years of experience and more will receive an additional $4,000.
New Superintendent Marie Feagins expressed gratitude and appreciation for the board’s support of the district’s educators.
“No matter what my title says, I will always be a proud teacher,” said Dr. Feagins, who taught in Jefferson County, Ala., before transitioning into leadership roles. “Teachers make magic happen daily in our classrooms, and it is my intention to continue to find ways to show our appreciation for their work. I am thankful for the Board’s support.”
Former Interim Superintendent to become professional consultant
Board members also officially approved a new role for the district’s former Interim Superintendent.
When Dr. Feagins officially transitioned into the superintendent’s chair, the district offered Tutonial “Toni” Williams the choice to either return as the district’s chief financial officer (CFO) or serve 12 months as a financial consultant for the district.
Williams chose to pursue the consultant position, and board members unanimously approved her contract Tuesday.
Board member Mauricio Calvo was among those that expressed his support for the financial guidance Williams will provide as the district undergoes the expiration of federal ESSER funds, budget cuts, and staffing challenges.
“I plan to support this, I think (how) we so very enthusiastically approved a new teacher’s schedule, for example. We are facing ESSER funding cuts, we have a new state formula, we just gave teachers an increase so we can use all the help that we need at the CFO’s office. This board needs the support, the financial guidance to make specifically the budget for next year work,” said Calvo.