The Paradise Valley Unified School District’s Governing Board unanimously approved staff salary increases at the June 5 Governing Board meeting.

In April, the Board previously approved 3 percent increases to all employees due to the passage of a Maintenance and Operations Budget Override Election from last November. With the adopted State budget and increases to K-12 funding, the following was added:

For Certified staff (teachers), an additional 9 percent increase to the base was approved. In total, certified staff will receive a 12 percent base increase. The starting salary for entry level new teachers with Bachelor of the Arts or Bachelor of the Science degrees hired for 2018-19 school year will be $39,240.

For Educational Support Professionals (support staff), an additional 6 percent increase on the base to all employees at $11.01 and above, including classified exempt. In total, a 9 percent base increase was approved.

For Administrators, an additional 2 percent to the base. In total, a 5 percent base increase.

The approved salary increases will be effective July 1, 2018, for the 2018-19 school year.

In her remarks, President Nancy Case also thanked the PV community members for their continued support and expressed her gratitude that these increases were possible.

According to Mrs. Case, “these increases wouldn’t be possible without the increased state funds and the amazing support of our voter approved override. The new starting teacher salary for the 2018-19 school year will be $39,240. Though not as much as our neighbors in contiguous states, it is certainly an improvement.”

According to Dr. Troy Bales, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, “the increases have immediately helped with retention and is a great beginning. We still have a long way to go, but are grateful and thankful for a step in the right direction.”