Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools Scott Smith talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about a school board proposal for a major pay increase for teachers and support personnel.

Smith tells KEEL listeners that "last Thursday night the board made an historic vote to give a significant pay increase to our educators. All of our employees in our school system would (receive) a straight $7,200 pay increase for professional employees and $3,000 for our support employees."

Smith, who says the raises are necessary for the parish to be competitive in the hiring and keeping of top-notch educator, adds that citizens will vote on a new property tax millage in early May. If the measure passes, homeowners with a property value of $250,000 paying an additional $33 monthly.

In a post-interview text, Smith told KEEL that he will not take a pay increase: "Just want to be on the record that I, as superintendent, will not accept any part of the pay raise, if approved by the voters."

 

More From News Radio 710 KEEL