(File Photo)
The passage of Proposition 123, passed by the voters on May 17, not only settles the inflation funding lawsuit but provides Scottsdale Unified School District an opportunity to recognize teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure its students success and safety.
SUSD received $5 million in June, for fiscal year 2016, the bulk of which is being paid out to employees as a one-time stipend, according to a press release.
“We recognize that teacher pay is not where it should be,” stated Dr. Denise Birdwell, interim superintendent for SUSD, in the release. “Our employees have committed their lives to serving students and this is one way we can show our appreciation and continue to support the critical work they do.”
In fiscal year 2017, the District will receive $5.4 million. The Governing Board approved the budget June 21. This is a breakdown of how those dollars will be distributed:
- Certified Compensation Increases (3 to 6.5 percent): $3,913,309
- Classified Salary Increases (3 percent) : $740,340
- Administration Salary Increases (2 percent): $265,216
- SRO: $300,000
- Instructional Resource Assistants: $30,000
- Program Innovation (Mandarin): $100,000
Total Prop. 123 Expenses: $5,348,865
The focus remains on district teachers and support staff who routinely go above and beyond.
“We want to thank the voters for their continued support of public education,” stated Dr. Birdwell in the release. “While Proposition 123 was a win for education that should be celebrated, we recognize there is more work to be done to establish a long-term solution to increase education funding.”
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