Post by Logan on Feb 16, 2016 18:45:08 GMT -6
Education Committee endorses $40,000 minimum salary for Maine public school teachers
AUGUSTA — Maine’s K-12 teachers would earn at least $40,000 a year under a bill endorsed 7-2 Tuesday by lawmakers on the Legislature’s Education Committee.
Differences over how to pay for that increase, which is estimated to cost about $1 million, split the vote and led some education organizations, including the Maine School Management Association, to oppose the bill.
But supporters said the cost shouldn’t hold back support. Rep. Teresa Pierce, D-Falmouth, pointed out that many Maine teachers are due to retire soon, and a minimum salary will help recruit quality teachers.
“If we feel like this is the right thing to do, we fight the fight,” she said. “This is long-term thinking and a long-term benefit to our state.”
Reach more: www.pressherald.com/2016/02/16/education-committee-votes-7-2-to-endorse-bill-to-set-40000-minimum-salary-for-maine-public-school-teachers/
AUGUSTA — Maine’s K-12 teachers would earn at least $40,000 a year under a bill endorsed 7-2 Tuesday by lawmakers on the Legislature’s Education Committee.
Differences over how to pay for that increase, which is estimated to cost about $1 million, split the vote and led some education organizations, including the Maine School Management Association, to oppose the bill.
But supporters said the cost shouldn’t hold back support. Rep. Teresa Pierce, D-Falmouth, pointed out that many Maine teachers are due to retire soon, and a minimum salary will help recruit quality teachers.
“If we feel like this is the right thing to do, we fight the fight,” she said. “This is long-term thinking and a long-term benefit to our state.”
Reach more: www.pressherald.com/2016/02/16/education-committee-votes-7-2-to-endorse-bill-to-set-40000-minimum-salary-for-maine-public-school-teachers/