09-30-2019, 07:58 AM
There is a shortage of qualified teachers here which is directly related to starting and maximum salaries offered.
A recent Hilo newspaper article stated that starting salaries were $48,000 per year for a teacher without experience, maxing out at around $84k. This for a person with at least a 4yr degree and teacher training.
Compare this with the amount being paid to our Council persons.
$70,000 per year plus expenses. No particular qualifications required, just the ability to get elected. As recent experience has shown, it is not even necessary for a council member to show up in order to still collect a salary.
According to the newspaper a recent teacher hire with 15 years experience was only credited with 7 years toward their pension.
Low teacher salaries + high turnover + capricious reduction in credit for prior employment = low quality schooling for our children.
Is this what you want for your kids?
A suggestion would be for teachers to be compensated at the rate being paid for county employees with a professional qualification, with equivalent benefits.
disclaimer: I have never been employed by either the County or the School system and have no school age children.