Tulsa Public Schools Board Approves Pay Raises For Teachers, Staff

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education has voted to approve an agreement between the district and the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association that includes pay increases for teachers.

According to TPS Chief Financial Officer Trish Williams, the pay increase for teachers will range from $400 to $1,000 annually per person, for an average of about $654 per teacher.

"Ideally we would have liked to recoup the step that was not given last year, because teachers are still one step behind, but we are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement which provides for step raises this year," said Lynn Stockley, president of TCTA.

Administrative staff will receive an equivalent raise of 1.5 percent.

Tulsa Public Schools says in a news release, the total cost of pay increases is $1.85 million for teachers, and $392,288 for administrative staff.

About 2,783 teachers, counselors and others under the agreement will receive the increase.

"Despite the difficult budget circumstances, and the loss of $20 million from the TPS General Fund over the past two years, we are pleased that we were able to work collaboratively with TCTA to reach agreement this year," said Trish Williams.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard credits Project Schoolhouse for making some of funding available.