JACKSON TEACHERS WANT 6 PERCENT PAY HIKE

JACKSON -- Teachers should see healthy increases in their paychecks next year if a proposal by the Jackson Community Teachers Association is approved May 9.

On Tuesday, the school board gave initial approval to the increase, which would raise a beginning teacher's base salary from $19,800 to $20,300 and add another step to the pay scale for time served with the school district.

Teachers currently receive more money for college hours beyond those needed to get a bachelor's degree. However, board member Jack Knowlan didn't like that the new pay scale still rewards longtime teachers who don't continue their educations. They receive raises, although the raises aren't as large as those who go back to school.

"At some point, we need to say, `You aren't getting any more money unless you go back to school,'" Knowlan said. "It doesn't just have to be hours at Southeast. It may be some form of continuing education."

Marilyn Jansen, a math teacher who chairs the C.T.A. salary committee, said only a few teachers fall into the category Knowlan mentioned. She said the committee would consider eliminating those raises in the future.

If board members approve the salary proposal, teachers who take on coaching and sponsorship duties will receive small increases in pay, too. There would be a total of around $357,000 in raises for teachers.

The school board also listened to a report from assistant superintendent Fred Jones about the district's plans to update technology in classrooms. A 16-member Technology Advisory Committee formed last spring met regularly for the 1994-95 school year and examined the district's needs.

Members identified five areas to be addressed and began working on them. They include providing appropriate instructional technology like VCRs and computers, coordinating technical instruction within the district and providing adequate technical training for teachers.

The problem is how to pay for all of it.

Jones and the committee suggested going after grants through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and purchasing video equipment through the state.

They also proposed asking businesses and corporate sponsors in the district to contribute.

Jones said about half the improvements on the list already had been completed with existing funds.

JACKSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, April 25

Information Items

A. Presentation of proposed salary schedule for teachers for the 1995-96 school year by the Community Teachers Association's Salary/Welfare Committee.

B. Report to board on the district's technology plan.

Action Items

A. Accepted the resignations of custodian Perry Amelunke and cafeteria worker Ray Propst.

B. Adopted a gun-free schools policy as required by recent federal legislation. It is in addition to the district's existing policy.