–The Algona Community School District is keeping an eye on legislation being discussed in the Iowa Legislature that would raise the starting salary for teachers to $50,000 statewide. Superintendent Joe Carter discussed the issue during the Algona School Board meeting Monday night and what it will look like if the proposal becomes law.
Carter says if the proposal moves forward in Des Moines, he will advise the board to increase the district’s base wages accordingly.
Carter says adjusting the base pay for teachers would cost the district around $73,000 and could be covered by the new money the district receives from increased certified enrollment following the merger with LuVerne. Governor Reynolds mentioned raising teacher pay during her Condition of the State address in January. The legislation would raise the minimum pay for starting teachers to $50,000/year. It would also set the base pay for teachers with 12 years of experience at $62,000/year.
